CN102360174B

CN102360174B - Process cartridge

Info

Publication number: CN102360174B
Application number: CN2011103563334A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 河井太刀夫
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2006-03-10
Filing date: 2007-01-10
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-10
Also published as: KR100970287B1; TWI354873B; US20110008074A1; KR20100012895A; DE102006061874B4; WO2007105375A1; EP2005255B1; US8045899B2; RU2010102556A; US8180262B2; TW200903195A; EP2369425B1; EP2005255A1; RU2597669C1; US20070237544A1; JP4378374B2; KR101067132B1; US7555249B2; EP2369425A1; US20090245862A1

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge (7) and a developer supply cartridge (9) supplying a developer into the process cartridge (7) can be respectively arranged on an image forming apparatus body (100a) and disassemble from the image forming apparatus body (100a), wherein the each cartridge (7, 9) comprise a switching mechanism for opening and closing gates (35, 95, 65, 97) so as to open and close a supply opening and a receiving opening, when one of the developer supply cartridge (9) and the process cartridge (7) is arranged on or disassembled from the image forming apparatus, the developer is prevented from leakage. The process cartridge (7) is provided with a mechanism comprising a limiting part (68) in order to prevent movements of the gates (65, 97) in a closing position or an opening position, the limiting part (68) and an engaging part on the developer supply cartridge (9) can interact mutually, thus when the cartridge (7, 9) are respectively arranged and disassembled, the process cartridge gates can be allowed to open or close.

Description

Handle box

The application is that to be called " handle box, developer supply cartridge and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus ", international filing date be that on 01 10th, 2007, international application no are dividing an application of PCT/JP2007/050541, the national applications number application for a patent for invention that is 200780008013.1 to name.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of handle box, developer supply cartridge and can use their electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus.

Here, electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to " imaging device ") is to process and form the device of image on recording materials by electrophotographic image forming.The example of a kind of device like this comprises electrophotographic copier, electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer etc.), the facsimile recorder of electrophotographic printer type, the word processor of electrophotographic printer type etc.

Here, recording materials are to form the material of image in the above, and comprise recording paper, OHP paper etc.

Background technology

In the imaging device field, in known handle box type, electrophotographic photosensitive member and the treating apparatus that can act on this electrophotographic photosensitive member are blended in handle box, and this handle box is removably mounted on the body of imaging device.Logical this handle box, the maintenance of this device can be undertaken by the user, and does not rely on the maintenance personal.Therefore, operability improves.

The handle box that can supply with developer from developer supply cartridge is also known.The handle box of this supply type is conducive to make handle box to reduce size.This is because its developer-accommodating part can reduce size.

In this developer replenishing type, developer supply cartridge is provided with the developer replenishing opening.Correspondingly, handle box provides developer and receives opening.In the situation that developer replenishing opening and developer receive opening, mutually align, developer is supplied to handle box from developer supply cartridge.

When the user is mounted in device body by handle box or, when the user dismantles handle box from device body, need to prevents that developer from leaking.

In addition, when the user is mounted on device body by developer supply cartridge or when the user dismantles developer supply cartridge from device body, also must prevent that developer from leaking.

As previously mentioned, developer replenishing opening and developer receive opening and are respectively arranged with the opening and closing gate.

For the structure that opens and closes the developer replenishing opening, known have a following structure.Receive engaging piece for the power with the handle box engagement and be arranged to like this, when developer supply cartridge is mounted on device body, discharging opens the sluices moves to open position from off-position.In addition, when from device body, removing developer supply cartridge, make from the power of handle box that discharging opens the sluices moves to off-position from open position.Like this, the developer replenishing opening is opened and closed (U.S. Patent No. 7010250).

On the other hand, receive the system of opening for the developer that opens and closes handle box, known have a following structure.Device body is provided with engaging piece, and this engaging piece applies power to the receiving port gate, so as to make it and handle box with respect to the installation and removal operation of device body interrelated moved.Like this, developer receives opening and is opened and closed (U.S. Patent No. 7010250).

By such structure, the developer replenishing opening can be opened and closed when developer supply cartridge is mounted and dismounted with respect to image forming apparatus body and when handle box is mounted and dismounted with respect to image forming apparatus body.

Therefore, even when developer supply cartridge or handle box carry out installation or removal with respect to imaging device independently of one another, the developer replenishing opening can open and close.

It should be known that, in the handle box of developer replenishing type, developer supply cartridge and handle box can be mounted and dismounted with respect to image forming apparatus body independently of one another, and can not make developer leak.

Therefore, this technology is very favourable.

The invention provides further structure-improved.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, fundamental purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box and developer supply cartridge all are arranged in the electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus body, when this device body is removed, can prevent that developer from passing through the developer replenishing opening or receiving opening by developer to leak when this developer supply cartridge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box and developer supply cartridge all are arranged in the electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus body, when this device body is removed, can prevent that developer from passing through the developer replenishing opening or receiving opening by developer to leak when this handle box.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box is arranged in device body, in the time of in this developer supply cartridge access to plant body, can receive developer in the situation that developer receives opening, developer can be supplied with by the developer replenishing opening.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, developer supply cartridge is arranged in device body, in the time of in handle box access to plant body, can receive developer in the situation that developer receives opening, developer can be supplied with by the developer replenishing opening.

An also purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box and developer supply cartridge all are arranged in the body of device, when developer supply cartridge when device body is removed, in the situation that the receiver side gate receives and allows position in developer, the supply side gate can allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position from developer replenishing.

An also purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box and developer supply cartridge all are arranged in the body of electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, when handle box when device body is removed, in the situation that the receiver side gate receives and allows position in developer, the supply side gate can allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position from developer replenishing.

An also purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, handle box is arranged in device body, when developer supply cartridge is in the access to plant body, in the situation that the receiver side gate receives and allows position in developer, the supply side gate can move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allow position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, when developer supply cartridge is arranged in device body in handle box access to plant body, in the situation that the receiver side gate receives and allows position in developer, the supply side gate can move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allow position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, for make the receiver side gate interrelated mobile receiver side movable part can be used in the supply side movable part is moved.

An also purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, when handle box access to plant body, after the receiver side gate that is positioned at developer reception disabled position moves to developer reception permission position, the supply side gate can move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allow position.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, and wherein, the developer replenishing opening can open and close by the relative motion between developer supply cartridge and handle box.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, wherein, even, when developer supply cartridge is not arranged in image forming apparatus body when handle box access to plant body in, developer reception opening is not opened yet.

An also purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of developer supply cartridge and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, and wherein, handle box is not arranged in image forming apparatus body, even in developer supply cartridge access to plant body the time, the developer replenishing opening is not opened yet.

According to an aspect of the present invention, handle box on a kind of body that is removably mounted on electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus is provided, wherein, described handle box can receive the developer of supplying with from developer supply cartridge, developer supply cartridge comprises: the supply side developer containing part, for receiving photographic developer, supply side gate section, this supply side gate section can allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position at developer replenishing, this developer replenishing allows position for opening the developer replenishing opening, in order to developer is supplied to handle box from the supply side developer containing part, and the developer replenishing disabled position is for closing the developer replenishing opening, the supply side movable part, this supply side movable part is removable, in order to make supply side gate section allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position at developer replenishing interrelatedly, and meshing part, described handle box comprises: the electronic photographic sensitive drum, developer roll, for making the latent electrostatic image developing be formed on described electronic photographic sensitive drum by developer, the receiver side developer containing part, for receiving photographic developer, developer receives opening, for receiving developer, enters described receiver side developer containing part, receiver side gate section, this receiver side gate section can receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer, this developer receives and allows position to receive opening for opening described developer, and this developer reception disabled position receives opening for closing described developer, limiting part, and receiver side movable part, this receiver side movable part motion, in order to make described receiver side gate part receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer interrelatedly, described receiver side movable part comprises: the first receiver side operating portion, when described receiver side gate section, when developer receives disabled position, this first receiver side operation part is in operating position, and the second receiver side operation part, when described receiver side gate section receives while allowing position in developer, this the second receiver side operating portion is in operating position, wherein, described developer supply cartridge is arranged in device body, in described handle box access to plant body, and described limiting part carries out moving-limiting in order to make described the first receiver side operating portion when operating position, described limiting part contacts with this meshing part, in order to discharge described receiver side movable part, thereby allow described receiver side movable part motion, then, with the interrelated ground of described the first receiver side operating portion moved by contacting meshing part, receive and allow position when described handle box receiver side movable part makes described receiver side gate section move to developer, then, at the second receiver side operating portion, be placed under the state of operating position, described receiver side movable part makes supply side gate section and the supply side movable part that moves and limited by described limiting part simultaneously by the engagement of described the second receiver side operating portion and supply side movable part move to developer replenishing interrelatedly and allows position.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of for the developer supply cartridge by the developer replenishing handle box, described developer supply cartridge is removably mounted on the body of electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus, and wherein, described handle box comprises: the electronic photographic sensitive drum; Developer roll, for making the latent electrostatic image developing be formed on described electronic photographic sensitive drum; Receiver side gate section, this receiver side gate part can receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer, this developer receives and allows position to receive opening for opening developer, will be used for by described developer roll the developer of development operation in order to receive, and this developer receives disabled position for closing described developer reception opening; The receiver side movable part, this receiver side movable part is removable, so that and described receiver side gate section makes described receiver side gate section receive and allow position and developer to receive between disabled position to move at developer in linkage, described receiver side movable part comprises the receiver side operating portion, when described receiver side gate section receives while allowing position in developer, this receiver side operating portion is in operating position; And limiting part, for limit the motion of described receiver side movable part during in operating position when described receiver side operating portion, described developer supply cartridge comprises: supply side developer-accommodating part, for receiving photographic developer; The developer replenishing opening, be supplied to described handle box for making developer receive opening from described supply side developer containing part by described developer; Supply side gate part, this supply side gate section can allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position at developer replenishing, this developer replenishing allows position for opening described developer replenishing opening, and the developer replenishing disabled position is for closing described developer replenishing opening; And supply side movable part, in handle box is arranged at described device body and described developer supply cartridge while entering in described device body, this supply side movable part is by movable with the described receiver side operation part engagement of described receiver side movable part, allow position in order to make in linkage described supply side gate section move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position, in the receiver side operating position, under the state of operating position, the motion of this receiver side operating portion is limited by described limiting part.

Also on the one hand provide a kind of electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus according to of the present invention, it comprises handle box and developer supply cartridge, they independently of one another, be removably mounted on device body.

By the explanation to the preferred embodiment of the present invention below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, will more know these and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention.

The accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the cut-open view of body of the electrofax type color image forming apparatus of first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 (a) can be arranged on handle box on the color image forming apparatus of first embodiment of the invention and the cut-open view of developer supply cartridge, and Fig. 2 (b) is the amplification view of the leader of this device body.

Fig. 3 is the skeleton view of the handle box of first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is the skeleton view of the developer supply cartridge of first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is the handle box of first embodiment of the invention and the skeleton view of toner development agent feed cassette, has meaned that they are arranged on the form in color image forming apparatus.

Fig. 6 is the gate of developer supply cartridge and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.

Fig. 7 is the cut-open view of supply side gate, wherein, (a) meaned to supply with the state that opening is opened by the supply side gate, (b) meaned to supply with the state that opening is closed by the supply side gate, (c) mean to receive the state that opening is opened by the receiver side gate, (d) meaned to receive the state that opening is closed by the receiver side gate.

Fig. 8 is the front elevation of supply side movable part and supply side gate, has meaned the connection between them.

Fig. 9 is the gate of handle box and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.

Figure 10 is the front elevation of receiver side movable part and receiver side gate, has meaned the connection status between them.

Figure 11 has meaned to be arranged under intrinsic state at handle box, when developer supply cartridge is mounted to the operation of time gating door section on device body.

Figure 12 meaned to be arranged under intrinsic state at developer supply cartridge, be mounted to the operation of time gating door section on device body when handle box.

Figure 13 a has meaned the body positioning action along the longitudinal direction of developer supply cartridge with respect to device.

Figure 13 b has meaned the body positioning action along the longitudinal direction of developer supply cartridge with respect to device.

Figure 14 is gate and the decomposition diagram of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 is gate and the decomposition diagram of element on every side of the handle box of second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 meaned according to second embodiment of the invention, under the state in developer supply cartridge is arranged at device body, when handle box, is mounted to the operation of time gating door section on the body of device.

Figure 17 is the front elevation of toner seal wound portion of the developer supply cartridge of first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is the front elevation that the toner seal of the handle box of first embodiment of the invention is wound around part.

Figure 19 is the skeleton view that can act on the retainer on the supply side movable part of developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20 a has meaned retainer and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20 b has meaned retainer and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20 c has meaned retainer and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 21 is the skeleton view of enclosing cover of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 a has meaned enclosing cover and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 b has meaned enclosing cover and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 c has meaned enclosing cover and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 d has meaned enclosing cover and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 e has meaned enclosing cover and the operation of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 23 is gate and the skeleton view of element on every side of the developer supply cartridge of first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 24 is gate and the skeleton view of element on every side of the handle box of first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 25 has meaned that the toner seal of the handle box of first embodiment of the invention is wound around the operation of part.

Figure 26 has meaned that the toner seal of the developer supply cartridge of first embodiment of the invention is wound around the operation of part.

Figure 27 is the gate of developer supply cartridge and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.

Figure 28 is the gate of handle box and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.

Embodiment

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The first embodiment

The general structure of imaging device

The general structure of imaging device is described below with reference to Fig. 1.Fig. 1 means the sectional side elevation of the general structure of panchromatic laser beam printer 100, and this panchromatic laser beam printer 100 is exemplary imaging devices.

Imaging device 100 comprises four handle boxes 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) that along continuous straight runs is arranged and four developer supply cartridges 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) of arranging accordingly with them.Handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 are removably mounted on the device body 100a of imaging device 100 independently of one another.Here, the meaning of device body 100a is the whole imaging device 100 except handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9.Handle box 7 comprises electronic photographic sensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).Electronic photographic sensitive drum (photosensitive drums) 1 rotated by the drive unit (not shown) be arranged in device body 100a.

Handle box 7 comprises charging roller (charging device) 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), developing apparatus 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and cleaning device 8 (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), and they are treating apparatus of arranging around photosensitive drums 1.Device body 100a comprises scanner unit 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and intermediate transfer element 5, and like this, when handle box is arranged on body, they are around photosensitive drums 1.The developed image be formed on photosensitive drums 1 is transferred on intermediate transfer element 5 by the first transfer device 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).The first transfer device 14 is arranged in device body 100a.

Charging roller 2 is pressed on photosensitive drums 1, and for making the surface uniform charging of photosensitive drums 1.Scanner unit 3 is projected to laser beam on photosensitive drums 1, in order to form electrostatic latent image on photosensitive drums 1.Developing apparatus 4 (4a-4d) is for making electrostatic latent image develop to developed image by developer.Developing apparatus 4 makes latent electrostatic image developing.Cleaning device 8 for removing the lip-deep remaining developer that remains in photosensitive drums 1 after the toner image transfer printing.

Photosensitive drums 1 and a unit for the treatment of apparatus formation that comprises charging roller 2, developing apparatus 4 and cleaning device 8, namely handle box 7.

The following describes imaging operation.At first, photosensitive drums 1 is according to the time rotation relevant to imaging.Scanner unit 3 is operated each handle box 7 successively.Voltage imposes on charging roller 2, this charging roller 2 with by this photosensitive drums 1, rotate when photosensitive drums 1 contacts, the periphery surface of photosensitive drums 1 charges to uniform potential by this charging roller 2.Scanner unit 3 produces modulated beam of light according to picture signal, and the periphery surface of photosensitive drums 1 is exposed by image light.Like this, electrostatic latent image is formed on the periphery surface of photosensitive drums 1.Electrostatic latent image is developed by developer by the developer roll 17 (17a-17d) of developing apparatus 4.Like this, developed image is formed on the periphery surface of photosensitive drums 1 by developer roll 17.Therefore, developer roll 17 utilizes developer to make latent electrostatic image developing.

Then, supply with the opposite polarity bias voltage of polarity and developed image to the first transfer device 14.Like this, the developed image be formed on photosensitive drums 1 is transferred to (the first transfer printing) on intermediate transfer element 5.

The developed image (developed images of four kinds of colors) be formed on photosensitive drums 1 carries out overlapping on intermediate transfer element 5.Then, the second transfer device 6 carries out press contacts with intermediate transfer element 5.The recording materials S that by alignment roller 10, has stopped at precalculated position will send the roll gap be formed between intermediate transfer element 5 and the second transfer device 6 to.

Handle box 7a is equipped with yellow developer.Handle box 7b is equipped with the carmetta developer.Handle box 7c is equipped with blue developer.Handle box 7d is equipped with black reagent.Therefore, yellow developed image is formed on photosensitive drums 1a.Similarly, it is upper that the carmetta developed image is formed at photosensitive drums 1b, and it is upper that the cyan developed image is formed at photosensitive drums 1c, and the black developed image is formed on photosensitive drums 1d.

Handle

box

7a, 7b, 7c and 7d have same structure, although the color difference of the developer held.

Supply with the opposite polarity bias voltage of polarity and developer to the second transfer device 6.Therefore, the developed image on intermediate transfer element 5 is transferred on the surface of recording materials S of supply fully.

Then, recording materials S is supplied to fixing device 11, and carrys out photographic fixing by heat and pressure.Recording materials S is expelled on discharge dish 13 by distributing roller 12.Like this, imaging operation completes.

Developer consumes by development operation.Along with the consumption of developer, developer is supplied with the developer supply cartridge 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9c) of introducing successively from behind.

The structure of

developer supply cartridge

9a, 9b, 9c and 9d is identical, although the color of the developer be equipped with differs from one another.

Reference number 100b means the handle box installation portion, and this handle box installation portion has the removably space of installing process cartridge 7.

100c means the feed cassette installation portion, and this feed cassette mounting portion has the space that feed cassette 9 removably is installed.

Installation portion

100b and 100c are arranged in the body 100a of device.

The mode of entrance of handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9

Below with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 introduction by the mode in handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 insertion apparatus body 100a.

At first, operating personnel open the lid 110 (Fig. 5) be arranged in device body 100a.Then, operating personnel make handle box 7 advance in the body 100a of device along the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A in figure) of photosensitive drums 1.In addition, operating personnel make developer supply cartridge 9 advance in the body 100a of device along the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A in figure) of supply side developer containing part 33.Like this,

box

7 and 9 inserts along the longitudinal direction.Handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 receive the driving force from device body 100a at the rear side (with respect to the front side of approach axis) of device body 100a.

It is upper that developer supply cartridge 9 is carried on

body guide rail

101a, 101b, and this

body guide rail

101a, 101b are arranged in the body 100a of device, and when developer supply cartridge 9 inserts at directed part 42a, the 42b place of this developer supply cartridge 9 (Fig. 2).

It is upper that handle box 7 is carried on body guide rail 102a, 102b, and this body guide rail 102a, 102b are arranged in the body 100a of device, and locate at directed part 43a, the 43b of handle box 7 (Fig. 2).

The structure of handle box

Introduce the structure of handle box 7 below with reference to Fig. 2 and 3.

As shown in Figure 2, handle box 7 comprises cleaning unit 22 and developing cell 23, and they rotatably interconnect.

Cleaning unit 22 comprises detergent container 15, and this detergent container 15 is frameworks of rotatably mounted photosensitive drums 1, and comprises charging roller 2.Cleaning unit 22 also comprises into the cleaning device 8 of the forms such as cleaning blade 8e.Cleaning blade 8e is for removing the developer remained on photosensitive drums 1.

On the other hand, in the framework that comprises developing apparatus 4, for receiver side developer containing part 16 (developer containing part) and the developer reservoir 18 of receiving photographic developer, by ultrasonic soldering etc., interconnect.Developing cell 23 comprises developer containing part 16 and developer reservoir 18.The rotatably mounted developer roll 17 of developer container 18.The handle box 7 newly (do not used) is equipped with the developer of scheduled volume in developer containing part 16.Developer is consumed, in order to form image, and developer is supplied with from developer supply cartridge 9.

Developer container 18 comprises: developer roll 17; Development blade 19, be deposited on the bed thickness of the developer on the periphery surface of developer roll 17 for restriction; And developer supply roller 20, the form of 20 one-tenth sponge rollers of this developer supply roller, for by developer replenishing to developer roll 17.

Developing cell 23 can be with respect to cleaning unit 22 rotations.

At handle box 7 (7a-7d), be installed under the state on device body 100a, developer supply cartridge 9 (9a-9d) is arranged on above the developing cell 23 (developer-accommodating part 16) of device body 100a.Developer containing part 16 has developer to receive opening 16a in the part of top, for from feed cassette 9, receiving developer.Be provided with receiver side gate 65 on receive opening 16a, for opening and closing, receive opening 16a.Gate 65 opens and closes and receives opening 16a by rotation.Therefore, gate 65 can receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer, and this developer receives and allows position to receive opening 16a for opening, so that the reception developer, this developer receives disabled position and receives opening 16a for closing.The top part of gate 65 is provided with seal member 67, and sealing parts 67 are made by urethane foams, felt etc., for making handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9, interconnects.Receive opening 16a and enter developer-accommodating part 16 for from feed cassette 9, receiving developer.It is upper that handle box 7 is removably mounted on mounting portion 100b, and feed cassette 9 is removably mounted on installation portion 100c above handle box 7 at this.Handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are independently of one another, removably install with respect to device body 100a.

When developer is from feed cassette 9 supply handle boxes 7, seal member 67 leaks for preventing the connecting portion that developer passes through between feed cassette 9 and handle box 7.Seal member 67 prevents that for guaranteeing developer from leaking, but is not necessary.

(structure of developer supply cartridge)

Introduce the structure of developer supply cartridge 9 below with reference to Fig. 2 and 4.

Feed cassette 9 comprises the supply side developer containing part 33 for receiving photographic developer.Under state in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 installed or be arranged on device body 100a, the bottom of developer containing part 33 provides developer replenishing opening 34, this developer replenishing opening 34 can with receive opening 16a and align.By receiving opening 16a, developer from developer containing part 33 internal feeds to handle box 7.More particularly, by developer replenishing in the receiver side developer containing part 16 of handle box 7.Provide the screw spreader 38 for supplying with developer on supply with opening 34.Screw spreader 38 rotates by the rotating force received from body 100a.Like this, developer replenishing is supplied with to opening 34.Then, developer is supplied to reception opening 16a from supplying with opening 34.

Provide developer replenishing parts 36 (36a, 36b) in developer containing part 33, for by developer replenishing screw spreader 38.Axial region 36a provide rotary driving force, and the developer transfer plate 36b be connected with this axial region 36a rotates by this rotary driving force.Like this, transfer plate 36b is sent to screw spreader 38 by developer.

In the bottom of supplying with opening 34, provide for opening and closing the supply side gate 35 of opening 34.Opening 34 opens and closes by the rotation of gate 35.In other words, gate 35 can allow ，Gai position, position in developer replenishing, and gate 35 is opened and supplied with opening 34, for making developer, from developer containing part 33, by receiving opening, is supplied to handle box 7.In addition, gate 35 can be in the developer replenishing disabled position, and in this position, it is closed and supplies with opening 34.The basal surface of developer containing part 33 provides the first meshing part 31b to downward-extension.When the approach axis from developer supply cartridge 9 access to plant body 100a is seen, the first meshing part 31b is arranged in the rear side of supply side open communication (T describes the device open communication) 44a.Provide equally the second meshing part 31a in front side.Therefore, with respect to the approach axis in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, provide the first meshing part 31b at the upstream side of supplying with opening 34, and provide the second meshing part 31a in its downstream.

The gate mechanism of developer supply cartridge

The structure of gate mechanism of the feed cassette 9 of the embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, Figure 17,23 and 26.

Fig. 6 is the decomposition diagram of the gate 35 (supply side gate part) (rotatable part) of feed cassette 9.Fig. 7 (a) has meaned to supply with the state that opening 34 is opened by supply side gate 35, and Fig. 7 (b) has meaned to supply with the state that opening 34 is closed by supply side gate 35.Fig. 7 (c) has meaned to receive the state that opening 16a opens by receiver side gate 65, and Fig. 7 (d) has meaned to receive the state that opening 16a closes by receiver side gate 65.Fig. 8 is the front elevation of interconnective supply side movable part (supply side movable part) 32 and gate 35.Figure 26 has meaned that, for being wound around the drives structure of part, this winding part is for being wound around the toner seal of feed cassette 9.Figure 17 is the front elevation that is wound around part.Figure 23 is near the skeleton view of parts gate 35 and this gate 35.

The basal surface of developer containing part 33 is provided with the T shape housing 44 be fixed on above it.This T shape housing 44 is provided with T shape shell nozzle 44d at part place, top, and is provided with T in the base portion office and describes device open communication 44a.Developer in developer containing part 33 is supplied in handle box 7 (developer containing part 16) by opening 44d and open communication 44a.Be provided with supply side gate insertion section 44b between opening 44d and open communication 44a.Insertion section 44b is for the cylindrical portion 35a of rotatably mounted gate 35.

Here, the meaning of described basal surface is to be arranged on the body 100a of device surface or a side down when upper when feed cassette 9.

Gate 35 is provided with the coupling part 35c that the axial direction from the lateral edges of cylindrical portion 35a (base part) along cylindrical portion protrudes.Gate 35 provides at relative position radially respectively through the open communication 35b of the periphery of cylindrical portion 35a.More particularly, open communication 35b is arranged to along the direction of intersecting with axial direction facing to opening 34 and faces toward open communication 44a.Cylindrical portion 35a is assembled in the 44b of gate insertion section, and like this, the outside surface of cylindrical portion 35a contacts with the inside surface of gate insertion portion 44b.Like this, gate 35 can be with respect to developer containing part 33 rotations.

Open side at gate insertion portion 44b is provided with the cap 39 for supply side gate insertion section.This cap 39 is provided with respectively arm 39b at the opposed end place.Porose 39c of each arm portion 39b, this 39c of hole section and maintaining part 44c engagement, this maintaining part 44c becomes to be arranged in the form of the pawl on T shape housing 44.Like this, cap 39 is fixed on T shape housing 44, and prevents

gate

35 and 44 disengagements of T shape housing.

Cap 39 has the opening 39a be formed at wherein.The coupling part 35c of gate 35 is through this opening 39a.

Be fixed on the free end of the coupling part 35c protruded from cap 39 for the supply side movable part (supply side movable part) 32 that gate 35 is moved interrelatedly.Movable part 32 has end bosses 32a, and this end bosses 32a inserts in the end recess 35c1 in the free end surface that is formed at gate 35.Projection 32a press fit is packed in recess 35c1.Like this, movable part 32 is fixed on gate 35.Movable part 32 rotates with gate 35 with being integral.In other words, the rotating gang of the rotation of gate 35 and movable part 32.

Movable part 32 comprises the protruding 32b (32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4) that alternately arranges and recess 32c (32c1,32c2,32c3,32c4) (Fig. 8).

Below will introduce gate (supply side gate section) and assembly method and the operation of element on every side.

At first, gate 35 inserts in the gate insertion section 44b of T shape housing 44.The opening of gate insertion section 44b is covered by cap 39.Then, the retaining part 44c of the 39c of hole section and T shape housing 44 engagement.Like this, cap 39 is fixed on T shape housing 44.Then, the end bosses 32a press fit of movable part 32 is packed in the end recess 35c1 of supply side gate 35.Then, T shape housing 44 is arranged on developer-accommodating part 33 by screw etc.

Fig. 7 (a) is gate and the cut-open view under the state of element in developer supply cartridge 9 and handle box 7 are all installed or be arranged at imaging device 100 on every side.

As shown in Fig. 7 (a), when installing process cartridge 7 and developer supply cartridge 9, supply with opening 34, opening 44d and open communication 44a facing to supply side gate intercommunicating pore 35b.Therefore, developer can be supplied with handle box 7 from feed cassette 9.Like this, be arranged in opening 34 and the screw spreader above opening 44d 38 (Fig. 2) rotation.Therefore, developer is sent to opening 34.Then, developer falls into reception opening 16a from supplying with opening 34.

Therefore, under the state shown in Fig. 7 (a), the developer replenishing that gate 35 is in for opening opening 34 allows position.

Fig. 7 (b) takes out the state tail gates of in developer supply cartridge 9 and handle box 7 and the cut-open view of element on every side the body from imaging device 100a.

Under the state shown in Fig. 7 (b), gate 35 is in for closing the developer replenishing disabled position of opening 34.

Under this state, the cylindrical portion 35a of gate 35, the part except opening 35b (part except open communication 35b) is facing to supplying with opening 34, opening 44d and open communication 44a.

When from device body 100a, removing feed cassette 9 or handle box 7, supply side movable part 32 is subject to the power of the receiver side movable part (receiver side movable part) 62 (back will be introduced) from handle box 7 so that mobile (rotation) particularly is rotated in the present embodiment.Gate 35 from the position (Fig. 7 (a)) that allows developer replenishing along any one and half-twist in direction shown in arrow B and C to the position that prevents developer replenishing (Fig. 7 (b)).Like this, the opening 44d of feed cassette 9 or open communication 44a be not facing to open communication 35b.Therefore, opening 44d closes, thereby stops in developer replenishing handle box 7.

In other words, the opening and closing of the gate of feed cassette 9 operation is by carrying out gate 35 half-twists.

Between developer containing part 33 and T shape housing 44, provide T shape toner seal 120 (Figure 17).Vertically hold 120a to be fixed on for one of toner seal 120 and supply with on opening 34, so that opening 34 is supplied with in sealing.The other end 120b of T shape toner seal 120 is fixed on the columnar portion 121a that is wound around axle 121.Be wound around axle 121 and provide driving force acceptance division 121b, this driving force acceptance division 121b and column part 121a are integral rotation.

Driving force receiving unit 121b comprises T shape driving force receiving connector 152, while going up for be arranged on device body 100a when feed cassette 9, from the body connector 151 that is arranged in device body 100a, receives driving forces.By the gear set (Figure 26) that comprises idle gear 153,154, the gear parts 152a from connector 152 receives driving force for it.

Here, when feed cassette 9 is new feed cassette (using), supplying with opening 34 can seal by toner seal 120.When supply opening 34 seals by toner seal 120, in the situation that during feed cassette 9 is arranged at device body 100a, be wound around axle 121 and receive driving force by driving force receiving unit 121b from body, so that along arrow D direction rotation (Figure 17).

Therefore, be wound around axle 121 and make toner seal 120 upwards be wound around, in order to open, supply with opening 34.While after removing toner seal 120, from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, supply with opening 34 by gate 35 sealings.

Judge whether feed cassette 9 is that the information that new feed cassette will be stored in the storer (not shown) in feed cassette 9 by device body 100a understanding is carried out.

In the present embodiment, developer supply cartridge 9 is provided with supply side gate 35.Therefore, always do not need to use the toner seal, and can prevent that developer from leaking by supplying with opening 34 yet.But, by thering is the said structure of toner seal, for example in the course of conveying of developer supply cartridge, can really prevent that developer from leaking.

In the present embodiment, supply side gate 35 and supply side movable part 32 are non-integral or the parts that separate.But, do not use cap 39 in optional structure, and as shown in Figure 27, supply side gate (supply side gate section) 95 is provided with for example anti-delinking part 95e of snap type.Like this, gate 95 meshes with the hole 96e of T shape housing 96, thereby can prevent from throwing off.Therefore, gate 95 and supply side movable part 95f can be one-piece constructions.

Supply side gate 95 examples of Figure 27 are corresponding to above-mentioned supply side gate 35, and T housing 96 is corresponding to T housing 44, and in addition, supply side movable part 95f is corresponding to supply side movable part 32.Open communication 95b is corresponding to open communication 35b, and opening portion 95d is not corresponding to opening portion 35d not.T describes that device open communication 96a describes device open communication 44a corresponding to T, and supply side gate insertion portion 96b is corresponding to supply side gate insertion portion 44b, and in addition, T shape shell nozzle 96d is corresponding to T shape shell nozzle 44d.

Feed cassette 9 also comprises following structure.

Particularly, it comprises the first meshing part 31b, and this first meshing part 31b is fixed on the position of supplying with opening 34 (supply side movable part 32) downstream with respect to the working direction in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a.In the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, the first meshing part 31b made limiting part 68 (back will be introduced) mobile (rotation) before gate 35 is opened supply opening 34.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.This can make receiver side movable part 62 move.Subsequently, the first receiver side operation part 62b1, the 62b3 of it and movable part 62 engagement, so that movable part 62 rotates.This makes receiver side gate 65 receive disabled position from developer and moves to developer reception permission position.

In addition, developer supply cartridge 9 comprises the second meshing part 31a, and this second meshing part 31a is fixed on respect to the disassembly direction that takes out developer supply cartridge 9 from device body 100 position of supplying with opening 34 (supply side movable part 32) downstream.When from install 100 body, taking out feed cassette 9, the second meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, in order to make limiting part 68 move (rotation) after gate 35 is closed supply opening 34.Like this, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Therefore, it allows movable part 62 motions.Subsequently, it and receiver side operating portion mesh, and this receiver side operating portion is arranged in the position different from the receiver side operating portion of receiver side movable part 62.Like this, gate 65 receives and allows position to move to developer reception disabled position from developer.

At feed cassette 9, be installed under the state on device body 100a, the direction that supply side movable part 32 is vertical along bottom side (basal surface) 9e with feed cassette 9 is extended.Movable part 32 can be around the horizontal axis rotation that is parallel to basal surface 9e.

The 35 one-tenth rotatable cylindrical form that can rotate around the horizontal axis that is parallel to feed cassette 9 basal surface 9e of supply side gate.

Cylindrical openings supply side gate 35, that extend along the cylindrical shape longitudinal direction is facing to developer replenishing opening 34.Therefore, developer replenishing opening 34 is opened.Part this cylindricality, that be different from cylindrical openings is by closing supply opening 34 facing to receiving opening 16a.

Supply side movable part 32 comprises into the supply side operation part of projection (32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4) form, these projections (32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4) and protruding 62b1,62b3 (the first receiver side operation part) and bifurcated projection 62b2,62b4 (the second receiver side operation part) engagement, in order to receive revolving force.Like this, supply side gate 35 rotations.

The gate mechanism of handle box

The gate mechanism of the handle box 7 of the present embodiment is described below with reference to Fig. 9,10,18,24 and 25.

Fig. 9 is the gate of handle box 7 and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.Figure 10 means the front elevation of the connection status between receiver side movable part 62 and receiver side gate 65 (receiver side gate section) (rotatable part).Figure 18 is the front elevation of the winding part of the toner seal for being wound around handle box.Figure 24 is the gate of handle box 7 and the skeleton view of element on every side.Figure 25 has meaned for being wound around the driving mechanism of part.

As shown in Figure 9, the gate mechanism of handle box 7 has and the similar structure of the gate mechanism of feed cassette 9.Developing apparatus housing 45 is corresponding to T shape housing 44.Developing apparatus shell nozzle 45d is corresponding to T shape shell nozzle 44d.Developer reservoir open communication 45a describes device open communication 44a corresponding to T.Development gate insertion portion 45b is corresponding to supply side gate insertion portion 44b.Receiver side gate 65 is corresponding to supply side gate 35.Cylindrical section 65a is corresponding to cylindrical section 35a; Coupling part 65c is corresponding to coupling part 35c; 65b is corresponding to open communication 35b for open communication (opening); Opening portion 65d is not corresponding to opening portion 35d not.Cap 69 is corresponding to cap 39; Arm 69b is corresponding to arm 39b; The 69c of hole section is corresponding to bore portion 39c; Opening 69a is corresponding to opening 39a; And end recess 65c1 is corresponding to end recess 35c1.Consider these corresponding situations, will omit the explanation to the appropriate section of handle box for the sake of simplicity.

Below will describe receiver side movable part 62.

As shown in figure 10, be fixed on movable part 62 on the free end of gate 65 for gate 65 is moved.In other words, gate 65 links with the movement (rotation) of movable part 62.Movable part 62 is provided with protruding 62b (62b1,62b2,62b3,62b4) and recess 62c (62c1,62c2,62c3,62c4), in order to apply revolving force with respect to the installation and removal of device body 100a operation to feed cassette 9 by handle box 7.Projection 62b arranges along the direction that rotatablely moves of movable part 62.Projection 62b2 is provided with recess 62d1 in its central part office, and like this, it forms the bifurcated projection.In addition, protruding 62b4 is provided with recess 62d2 in its central part office, and like this, it forms the bifurcated projection.Projection 62b2,62b4 can mesh with the protruding 32b (32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4) of movable part 32.Projection 62b1-62b4 forms the receiver side operating portion.More especially, protruding 62b1,62b3 form the first receiver side operation part, and protruding 62b2,62b4 form the second receiver side operation part.Recess 62d1,62d2 are for preventing from interfering between protruding 32b and protruding 62b2,62b4.With reference to Figure 10, the part of protruding 62b2 and 62b4 is by dotted line.

Developer containing part 16 also is provided with limiting part 68, for the rotation of restraint parts 62.Limiting part 68 is made for and can slides to (arrow E direction) along vertical setting party by the claw portion 71a, the 72a that are arranged in the

rail plate

71,72 in developer-accommodating part 16.Limiting part 68 is pushed along upward direction by the spring force (elastic force) that is arranged in the Compress Spring 70 between developer-accommodating part 16 and limiting part 68 usually.As shown in figure 10, when limiting part 68 when initial position (restriction site), restriction recess 68a therefore can with protruding 62b (62b1,62b2,62b3, the 62b4) engagement of movable part 62.Like this, by the rotation of restraint parts 62.In other words, by the engagement between protruding 62b and recess 68a, will limit or prevent the rotation of movable part 62.

The top surface of housing 45 provides seal member 67, and sealing parts 67 have the opening 67a corresponding with open communication 45a.

The following describes the gate of handle box 7 and assembly method and the operation of element on every side.

At first, gate 65 inserts in the gate insertion section 45b of housing 45.The opening of gate insertion section 45b is covered by cap 69.Then, the maintaining part 45c of the bore portion 69c of cap 69 and housing 45 engagement.Like this, gate 65 is fixed on housing 45.Then, the end bosses 62a press fit of movable part 62 is packed in the end recess 65c1 of gate 65.Claw portion 71a, the 72a engagement of limiting part 68 and

rail plate

71,72 in developer containing part 16 outsides.Then, spring 70 is arranged between limiting part 68 and developer-accommodating part 16.Subsequently, seal member 67 is arranged on the open communication 45a side of housing 45.Developing apparatus housing 45 is fixed on developer-accommodating part 16 by screw (not shown) etc.

Gate 65 is opened and closed similarly with above-mentioned gate 35.The every half-twist of receiver side gate 65, handle box 7 alternately can receive developer (developer receives and allows position, Fig. 7 (c)) and can not receive developer (developer receives disabled position, Fig. 7 (d)) from developer supply cartridge 9.

Like this, with the 62 half-twist interlocks of receiver side movable part, reception opening 16a opens and closes by the rotation of gate 65.

Be provided with D shape toner seal 130 (Figure 18) between developer-accommodating part 16 and developing apparatus housing 45.One of D shape toner seal 130 vertically holds 130a to be fixed on developer-accommodating part 16, and sealing receives opening 16a.The other end 130b of D shape toner seal 130 is fixed on the column part 131a that is wound around axle 131.Also provide rotatable driving force receiving unit 131b, it can be integral rotation with column part 131a.

As shown in Figure 25, at handle box 7, be arranged under the state in device body 100a, the body connector 155 of developing drive power receiving unit 156 from be arranged in device 100 bodies receives driving force, for development operation.Driving force receiving unit 131b receives driving force by gear set from the gear parts 156a of connector 156, and this gear set comprises idle pulley 157,158,159.

In the present embodiment, when handle box 7 is new handle box (using), receiving opening 16a can seal by above-mentioned toner seal 130.Seal by toner seal 130 in the situation that receive opening 16a, when handle box 7 is arranged in device body 100a, is wound around axle 131 and receives driving force by driving force receiving unit 131b from body.

By detection of stored, the information in the storer (not shown) in being arranged in handle box 7 judges whether handle box 7 is new to device body 100a.

Then, be wound around axle 131 toner seal 130 upwards is wound around, in order to open, receive opening 16a.When from device body 100a taking-up handle box 7, receive opening 16a and sealed by gate 65.

Handle box also provides receiver side gate 65, similar with developer supply cartridge.Therefore, even also can fully prevent that when not using the toner seal developer from receiving opening 16a and leaking from developer.But, by utilizing the structure of above-mentioned toner seal, can really prevent that the developer that may occur from leaking in the course of conveying of handle box.

In the present embodiment, receiver side gate 65 and receiver side movable part 62 are non-integral or the parts that separate.But, do not use cap 69 in optional structure, as shown in Figure 28, but receiver side gate (receiver side gate part) 97 provides anti-delinking part 97e, and for example buckle, and gate 97 meshes with the hole 98e of developing apparatus housing 98, in order to prevent, throws off.Therefore, gate 97 and receiver side movable part 97f can be made for an integral body.

In Figure 28, gate 97 is corresponding to above-mentioned gate 65; Movable part 97f is corresponding to movable part 62; Developing apparatus housing 98 is corresponding to developing apparatus housing 45.Open communication 97b is corresponding to open communication 65b; And opening portion 97d is not corresponding to opening portion 65d not.Developer reservoir open communication 98a is corresponding to developer reservoir open communication 45a; Development gate insertion portion 98b is corresponding to development gate insertion portion 45b; Developing apparatus shell nozzle 98d is corresponding to developing apparatus shell nozzle 45d.Therefore, omit for the sake of simplicity the detailed description to these elements.

The drives structure of gate part

With reference to Figure 11 and 12, the following describes the opening and closing operation in the installation and removal operating process of feed cassette 9 and handle box 7 of gate 35 and gate 65.

When developer supply cartridge is installed

With reference to Figure 11, the following describes when feed cassette 9 handle box 7 be arranged under the state in device body 100a be mounted to device body 100a in the time situation.For the sake of simplicity, developer containing part 33 and developer containing part 16 have been omitted in Figure 11.The engaging piece 31a1 of gate 44, open communication 45b, gate 65, open communication 65b, the second meshing part 31a and the mate 31b1 of the first meshing part 31b are illustrated by the broken lines.

Before feed cassette 9 is mounted on device body 100a, the opening 44d of T shape housing and open communication 44a are located so that they do not face toward the open communication 35b (state shown in Fig. 7 (b)) (developer reception disabled position) of supply side gate 35.Therefore prevent developer replenishing (closed condition) in handle box 7.

When handle box 7 is not installed under the state on device body 100a while being arranged on device body 100a at feed cassette 9, movable part 62 is not from reception Anywhere.Therefore, gate 65 does not rotate.Therefore, handle box 7 remains on the closed condition that prevents from receiving developer.

The restriction recess 68a of limiting part 68 and the protruding 62b of movable part 62 (62b1 or 62b3) are intermeshing.Therefore, movable part 62 keeps restriction (preventing rotation (motion)).

Operating personnel, by feed cassette 9 insertion apparatus body 100a, make directed

section

42a, 42b be arranged on

body guide rail

101a, 101b upper (along the direction shown in arrow A in Figure 11 (k)) simultaneously.

When feed cassette 9 advances to the position shown in Figure 11 (j), the engaging piece 31a1 of the second meshing part 31a contacts with the sloped surface portion 68b1 of the guiding surface 68b of limiting part 68.

As shown in Figure 11 (i), by making feed cassette 9, be advanced further, inclined surface part 68b1 moves by the second meshing part 31a1.Therefore, these elastic forces of limiting part 68 opposing that the elastic force by pushing spring 70 presses to the top restriction site along the direction shown in arrow H in Figure 11 (i) downwards towards 16 motions of developer-accommodating part (motion allows position (rotation allows position)).

When the engaging piece 31a1 of feed cassette 9 arrives the 68b2 of plane surface section of guiding surface 68b, be released in the restriction recess 68a of limiting part 68 and the engagement between protruding 62b (62b1 in Figure 10 or 62b3).Therefore, movable part 62 rotatable (Figure 11 (h)).

Then, mate 31a1 slides on the 68b2 of plane surface section of limiting part 68.And the protruding 62b of engaging piece 31a1 and movable part 62 (62b1 or 62b3) engagement, in order to make movable part 62 rotate in the counterclockwise direction (Figure 11 (g)).By making movable part 62 rotations, be fixed on the also rotation in the counterclockwise direction together with movable part 62 of receiver side gate 65 above it.Like this, the open communication 65b of gate 65 is communicated with developing apparatus shell nozzle 45d and open communication 45a.Particularly, at this moment gate 65 is placed in developer and receives permission position (Fig. 7 (c)).When mate 31a1 and protruding 62b (62b1 or 62b3) engagement, recess 62c (62c1 in Figure 10 or 62c3) is for receiving mate 31a1.

When feed cassette 9 advances to the position that is released in the engagement between mate 31a1 and movable part 62, gate 65 rotations are by 90 °.Then, the rotation of gate 65 stops.At this moment, open communication 65b is in the position (Fig. 7 (c)) relative with receiving opening 16a.Therefore realize open mode, wherein, can receive developer (Figure 11 (f)) from feed cassette 9.

As shown in (e)-(d) in Figure 11, when feed cassette 9 is advanced further in device body 100a the time, inclined surface part 68b3 is guided by engaging piece 31a1.Therefore, limiting part 68 by the elastic force (spring force) of spring 70 with respect to developer-accommodating part 16 towards restriction site make progress (along the direction of the arrow G in Figure 11 (e)) mobile.

The engaging piece 31a1 of feed cassette 9 and the sloped surface portion 68b3 of guiding surface 68b throw off.Projection 62b (62b2 in Figure 10 or 62b4) and the restriction recess 68a of limiting part 68 mesh.Movable part 62 returns to restriction site, prevents rotation (Figure 11 (c)) in this position.

Feed cassette 9 is advanced further to device body 100a.Therefore, the bifurcated of movable part 62 projection 62b (62b2 in Figure 10 or 62b4) meshes with protruding 32b (32b1 in Fig. 8 or 32b3) and the recess 32c (32c1 in Fig. 8 or 32c3) of movable part 32.At this moment, the rotation of movable part 62 is limited or is prevented by limiting part 68.Therefore, by the motion that enters of feed cassette 9, movable part 32 (arrow I direction Figure 11 (c)) rotation in the counterclockwise direction by the power received from movable part 62.By the rotation of movable part 32, be fixed on the also rotation in the counterclockwise direction of gate 35 above it.The open communication 35b of supply side gate 35 is communicated with (developer can flow through) (Figure 11 (c)-(b)) with shell nozzle 44d and open communication 44a fluid.In other words, at this moment the gate 35 of feed cassette 9 allows position in developer replenishing.

Structure and the operation that below will summarize handle box 7 and feed cassette 9.Also has the location structure by explanation with respect to body 100a.

Handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are removably mounted on device body 100a independently of one another.

Handle box 7 comprises photosensitive drums 1 and developer roll 17, and this developer roll 17 is for making the latent electrostatic image developing be formed on photosensitive drums 1 by developer.Handle box 7 comprises and can receive and allow position and developer to receive the receiver side gate 65 moved between disabled position at developer, this developer receives and allows position to receive opening 16a for opening developer, so that the reception developer, and this developer receives disabled position for closing reception opening 16a.Handle box 7 comprises receiver side movable part 62, this receiver side movable part 62 can move in linkage with gate 65, and this receiver side movable part 62 comprises receiver side operating portion 62b2 and 62b4, when gate 65, when developer receives the permission position, this receiver side operation part 62b2 and 62b4 are placed in operating position.Handle box 7 comprises limiting part 68, for the motion (Figure 11 (e)) when operation part 62b2 or 62b4 restriction movable part 62 during in operating position.Here, operating position is when the position of the protruding 32b engagement of operation part 62b2 or 62b4 and supply side movable part 32, and supply side movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the relative motion between supply side movable part 32 and receiver side movable part 62.In the present embodiment, operation part 62b2 or the 62b4 position, top side ((a)-(e)) in operating position.

Feed cassette 9 comprises the supply side developer-accommodating part 33 for receiving photographic developer.Feed cassette 9 comprises T shape shell nozzle 44d, for making developer be supplied to handle box 7 by receiving opening 16a from developer-accommodating part 33, and supply side gate 35 can be supplied with and allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position in the color toner agent, supply with and allow position at this toner, T shape shell nozzle 44d and open communication 44a are interconnected, and this developer replenishing disabled position is for closing T shape shell nozzle 44d and open communication 44a.Developer supply cartridge 9 comprises movable part 32, and this movable part 32 has the protruding 32b that can mesh with operation part 62b2 under the state of operating position being constrained to.When feed cassette 9 advances in device body 100a, by making operation part 62b2 or 62b4 and protruding 32b engagement, movable part 32 makes in linkage gate 35 supply with disabled position from toner and moves to toner supply permission position (Figure 11 (d)-(a)).

When feed cassette 9 is advanced further in device body 100a the time, the section that is positioned 40 of feed cassette 9 is connected to (Figure 13 (b)) on the body bolster 103 be arranged in device body 100a.The section 40 that is positioned is arranged on the front side end surface of feed cassette 9 with respect to the direction in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a.In this position, gate 35 completes 90 ° of rotary manipulations, thereby complete, feed cassette 9 is arranged on device body 100a.At this moment, the rotation of supply side gate 65 stops.Also have, open communication 65b is in and makes it face toward the position (Fig. 7 (c)) (developer replenishing permission position) of T shape shell nozzle 45d and open communication 45a.At developer replenishing opening 34, during in open mode, developer can be supplied to (Figure 11 (a)) in handle box 7.

Under the state of feed cassette 9 in handle box 7 is arranged at device body 100a, in access to plant body 100a the time, the operation of receiver side movable part 62, receiver side gate 65 and limiting part 68 is as follows.

Movable part 62 is for making in linkage gate 65 receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer.Movable part 62 comprises receiver side operation part (the second receiver side operation part) (bifurcated projection 62b2 and 62b4), and when gate 65, when developer receives the permission position, this receiver side operation part is in operating position.Under the state of described receiver side operation part in operating position, the movement (rotation) of limiting part 68 restraint parts 62.

As previously mentioned, the movable part 32 of feed cassette 9 has following structure.In the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the receiver side operation part with movable part 62 (protruding 62b2,62b4) engagement, and this movable part 62 is limited by the limiting part 68 that is arranged in operating position or determines.Movable part 32 makes in linkage gate move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.Like this, gate 35 is opened and is supplied with opening 34.

Like this, in the present embodiment, when gate 65, when developer receives the permission position, the receiver side operating portion is in operating position.Movable part 32, by moving with receiver side operating portion (protruding 62b2,62b4) engagement, allows position in order to make gate 35 move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position.Therefore, in the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, supply opening 34 only has when gate 65 just to be opened when developer receives the permission position, namely only has when receiving when opening 16a opens and just opens.Therefore, supply with opening 34 although can avoid reception opening 16a to close still to open.Like this, can prevent that developer from leaking from supply with opening 34.

According to the present embodiment, in the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, supply with opening 34 and do not open, unless handle box 7 is arranged on device body 100a.

As previously mentioned, feed cassette 9 advances in device body 100a, at directed

section

42a, 42b place, is carried on body guide rail (body side guiding piece) 101a, 101b simultaneously.Preferably insert required power less, guarantee the location of feed cassette 9 simultaneously.Because this viewpoint is provided with gap, this Gap-Ratios body bolster 103 and want the gap between localization part 40 large.

To guide portion, 42b guides, when along horizontal direction (with respect to the left side of the view direction shown in Fig. 2) while seeing, and the more close movable part 32 of this directed part.In order to complete this action, body guide rail 101b is for limiting the vertical shift of feed cassette 9 and skew left.Being offset downwards and to the right of body guide rail 101a restriction developer supply cartridge 9.

Below will introduce in detail feed cassette 9 and body guide rail 101.As shown in Fig. 2 (b), directed part 42b comprises that sidepiece is limited part 42b3, upside wants restricted part 42b1 and bottom to want restricted part 42b2.When developer supply cartridge 9 advances in device body 100a, be limited the 42b3 of section, be limited part 42b1 and be limited the 42b2 of section to limit by the body guide rail 101b be arranged in device body 100a.Being limited the upper surface restriction section 101b1 of the 42b1 of section by body guide rail 101b prevents from moving upward.Bottom wants the basal surface restriction section 101b2 of restricted part 42b2 by body guide rail 101b to limit to move downward.Similarly, sidepiece restricted part 42b3 carrys out limit lateral movement by the side surface restriction 101b3 of section of body guide rail 101b.When movable part 32 moves and mesh with movable part 62 simultaneously, be limited the 42b1 of section and prevent from moving upward by restricted part 101b1.Therefore, movable part 32 can be in the situation that guarantee to move with movable part 62 engagements.Therefore, the opening and closing operation of supply side gate 35 and receiver side gate 65 will be guaranteed.

Here, directed section 42b is arranged at least in the operating process of supply side gate 35, receiver side gate 65 and limiting part 68, by body guide rail 101b, be guided, as shown in Figure 11 (k)-(a).

Therefore, as shown in Figure 11 (k)-(a), in the operating process of gate part (35,65) and limiting part 68, the directed section 42b of developer supply cartridge 9 is guided by body guide rail 101b with respect to the view direction (cross-sectional direction) of Fig. 2.Like this, can remain on the relative position relation between developer supply cartridge 9 and handle box 7 with respect to cross-sectional direction.

When taking out developer supply cartridge

While under the state in handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 are arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, operation will be contrary with operation recited above.Particularly, sequence of operation is (a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e)-(f)-(g)-(h)-(i)-(j)-(k).By these steps, supply side movable part 32, supply side gate 35, limiting part 68, receiver side movable part 62 and receiver side gate 65 are operated.

Feed cassette 9 comprises the developer-accommodating part 33 for receiving photographic developer.Feed cassette 9 comprises supply side gate 35, this supply side gate 35 can allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position at developer replenishing, this developer replenishing allows position for opening developer replenishing opening 34, in order to make developer receive opening 16a by developer and be supplied to handle box 7 from developer-accommodating part 33, and this developer replenishing disabled position is for closing developer replenishing opening 34.Developer supply cartridge 9 comprises supply side movable part 32 (supply side movable part), and this supply side movable part 32 has the protruding 32b that can mesh with operation part 62b2 or 62b4, and this operation part 62b2 or 62b4 limit or be defined as in operating position.Along with take out the motion of feed cassette 9 from device body 100a, movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the engagement of operation part 62b2 and protruding 32b, in order to make supply side gate 35 allow position to move to developer replenishing disabled position (Figure 11 (a)-(e)) from developer replenishing in linkage.

Therefore, after taking out feed cassette 9, keep the gate 65 that is arranged on the handle box 7 in device body 100a to close in linkage by the operation from device body 100a dismounting feed cassette 9.

Therefore, even when not being installed under the state on device body 100a at feed cassette 9 while taking out, the gate 65 of the reception opening 16a of handle box 7 also keeps closing.Therefore, even, while under the state in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 all are arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, the opening 16a of gate 65 keeps closing reliably.

Below will introduce the operation of movable part 62, gate 65 and limiting part 68 when being arranged under the state in device body 100a from device body 100a dismounting feed cassette 9 at handle box 7.

At first, movable part 62 is removable, in order to make receiver side gate 65 receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer in linkage.Movable part 62 comprises receiver side operating portion (the second receiver side operating portion) (protruding 62b2 and 62b4), and when gate 65 is placed in developer reception permission position, this receiver side operating portion is arranged in operating position.When operating portion (protruding 62b2 or 62b4) during in operating position, the movement of limiting part 68 restraint parts 62.

As previously mentioned, when from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, the movable part 32 of feed cassette 9 moves by the receiver side operating portion with movable part 62 (protruding 62b2 or 62b4) engagement, and this movable part 62 limits or be limited to operating position by limiting part 68.Also have, movable part 32 makes gate 35 from developer replenishing, allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position in linkage.

Like this, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when feed cassette 9 when device body 100a takes out, movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the receiver side operating portion with movable part 62 (the second receiver side operating portion) (protruding 62b2 or 62b4) engagement, and this movable part 62 limits or be limited to operating position by limiting part 68.Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, receive opening 16a and close after supply opening 34 is closed.Like this, when from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, can not supply with opening 34 and receive after opening 16a closes the situation of closing.Therefore, can prevent that developer is by supplying with may leaking of opening 34.The following describes when being arranged at handle box 7 under the state in device body 100a and feed cassette 9 is arranged on device body 100a or the operation of movable part 62, gate 65 and limiting part 68 during from device body 100a dismounting feed cassette 9.

At first, movable part 62 comprises: the first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or 62b3, and when gate 65, when developer receives disabled position, this first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 are in operating position; And second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4, when receiver side gate 65 receives while allowing position in developer, this second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 are in operating position.

As the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 or the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 during in operating position, the rotation of limiting part 68 restraint parts 62.

When being arranged at handle box 7 under the state in device body 100a, by supply chamber 9, be mounted on device body 100a or dismounting is during supply chamber 9 from device body 100a, the operation of meshing part (the second meshing part) 31a, supply side movable part 32 and supply side gate 35 is as follows:

At first, in the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, supply with gate 35 open supply with opening 34 before meshing part (the second meshing part) 31a with limiting part 68, contact, the rotation that the first operating portion 62b1 of this limiting part 68 by being arranged in operating position or 62b3 carry out restraint parts 62.Meshing part 31a makes the elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic springs 70 move downward.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Like this, meshing part 31a allows movable part 62 motions.Subsequently, meshing part 32a and the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3 engagement, in order to make movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 moves to the developer reception from developer reception disabled position in linkage with this movable part 62 and allows position.Namely, receiving opening 16a opens.

In addition, when from device body 100a taking-up feed cassette 9, after supply side gate 35 is closed supply opening 34, meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, this limiting part 68 limits 62 rotations of (preventing) movable part by the second receiver side operation part 62b2 or the 62b4 that is arranged in operating position, and makes limiting part 68 opposing elastic forces move down.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Like this, meshing part 31a allows movable part 62 motions.

Then, the rotating gang ground that meshing part 31a makes gate 35 and movable part 62 receives and allows position to rotate to developer to receive disabled position from developer, and the rotation of this gate 35 is meshed and caused by meshing part 31a and the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

Here, meshing part (the second meshing part) 31a with respect to the direction fixed and arranged in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a in the position of supplying with opening 34 (supply side movable part 32) downstream.

In the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, after receiver side gate 65 is opened reception opening 16a, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, and this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, and this limiting part is defined in operating position by the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4.Supply side movable part 32 makes supply side gate 35 and the rotating gang ground of this supply side movable part 32 move to developer replenishing permission position from the developer replenishing disabled position, namely opens and supplies with opening 34.

When feed cassette 9 when device body 100a dismantles, before receiver side gate 65 is closed reception opening 16a, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, and this limiting part 68 is defined in operating position by the second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4.Movable part 32 makes supply side gate 35 and the rotating photo of this movable part 32 from developer replenishing, allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position in linkage.Namely close and supply with opening 34.

According to the present embodiment, when at handle box 7, be arranged under the state in device body 100a feed cassette 9 is mounted on device body 100a or from this device body 100a dismounting during feed cassette 9, will prevent that developer from leaking by supplying with opening 34.And can provide the beneficial effect (when handle box is mounted on device body) of previous embodiment.

The following describes at feed cassette 9 and be arranged under the state in device body 100a, situation when handle box 7 is mounted on device body 100a.

Before handle box 7 is mounted on device body 100a, the shell nozzle 45d of handle box 7 and open communication 45a be not facing to open communication 65b (Fig. 7 (d)).Namely, gate 35 is in the developer replenishing disabled position.Therefore, receive opening 16a and closed by gate 35, under this state, can not receive developer from feed cassette 9.The engagement of the restriction recess 68a of limiting part 68 and the protruding 62b of movable part 62 (62b1 or 62b2).Therefore will limit or prevent movable part 62 rotations (motion).

Even under the state of handle box 7 separating device body 100a, when feed cassette 9 is mounted on device body 100a, movable part 32 does not receive any power.Therefore, gate 35 does not rotate.Supply with opening 34 and close, and, under this state, developer can not be supplied with handle box 7.Namely, gate 35 remains on the developer replenishing disabled position.

At first, as previously mentioned, it is upper that directed

section

43a, 43b are arranged in body guide rail 102a, 102b, and handle box 7 advances in device body 100a along direction shown in arrow A in Figure 12 (k).

When handle box 7 advances to the position shown in Figure 12 (j), the mate 31b1 of the first meshing part 31b of feed cassette 9 contacts with the sloped surface portion 68b3 of the guiding surface 68b of limiting part 68.

By handle box 7 is advanced further, sloped surface portion 68b3 is by mate 31b1 guiding, as shown in Figure 12 (i).Therefore, elastic force pushing by spring 70 is resisted elastic forces (spring force) and is moved downward (along direction shown in the arrow H in Figure 12 (i)) towards the permission position that is arranged in the base portion office to the limiting part 68 of top restriction site, and developer-accommodating part 16 is arranged in this base section.

When the mate 31b1 of feed cassette 9 arrives the 68b2 of plane surface section of guiding surface 68b, be released in the restriction recess 68a of limiting part 68 and the engagement between protruding 62b (62b1 in Figure 10 or 62b3).Therefore, movable part 62 can rotate (Figure 12 (h)).

Then, mate 31b1 slides on the 68b2 of plane surface section of limiting part 68, in order to mesh with the protruding 62b (62b1 or 62b3) of movable part 62, therefore, movable part 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction (Figure 12 (g)).By the rotation of movable part 62, the gate 65 be fixed on above it also is rotated in a clockwise direction.The open communication 65b of gate 65 faces toward shell nozzle 45d and open communication 45a and is communicated with them.Recess 62c (62c1 in Figure 10 or 62c3) is arranged to receive this engaging piece 31b1 when engaging piece 31b1 and protruding 62b (62b1 or 62b3) engagement.

When handle box 7 advances to the position that is released in the engagement between engaging piece 31b1 and movable part 62, gate 65 is half-twist.Then, the rotation of gate 65 stops.At this moment, open communication 65b is facing to shell nozzle 45d and open communication 45a (developer replenishing permission position).Here, the gate 65 of handle box 7 is opened, and therefore, handle box 7 can receive developer (Figure 12 (f)) from feed cassette 9.

As shown in Figure 12 (e)-(d), when handle box 7 is advanced further in device body 100a the time, sloped surface portion 68b1 is guided by engaging piece 31b1.Therefore, limiting part 68 moves to top restriction site (along direction shown in arrow in Figure 12 (e)) by the elastic force (spring force) of spring 70.

When the sloped surface portion 68b1 of the engaging piece 31b1 of feed cassette 9 and guiding surface 68b separates, the restriction recess 68a engagement of the protruding 62b in Figure 10 (62b2 or 62b4) and limiting part 68.Movable part 62 is back to the restriction site (Figure 12 (d)) that prevents rotation.

Handle box 7 is advanced further to device body 100a.At this moment, the protruding 62b of movable part 62 (62b2 in Figure 10 or 62b4) meshes with protruding 32b (32b1 in Fig. 8 or 32b3) and the recess 32c (32c2 in Fig. 8 or 32c4) of movable part 32.At this moment, the rotation of movable part 62 limits or prevents by limiting part 68.Therefore, movable part 32 is from movable part 62 receptions, so that (direction shown in the arrow J in Figure 12 (c)) rotation along clockwise direction.By the rotation of movable part 32, the gate 35 be fixed on above it also is rotated in a clockwise direction.At this moment, the open communication 35b of gate 35 is facing to T shape shell nozzle 44d and open communication 44a (Figure 12 (c)-(b)).

Also have, the localization part of of handle box 7 is connected on the body bolster (not shown) in device body 100a.Like this, gate 35 completes 90 ° of rotations.Therefore, the operation that handle box 7 is mounted on device body 100a completes.At this moment, the rotation of gate 35 stops.At this moment open communication 35b is positioned to facing to T shape shell nozzle 44d and open communication 44a (Fig. 7 (a)).Supply with opening 34 and also open, so developer can be supplied with handle box 7 (Figure 12 (a)).

Here, handle box 7 comprises receiver side movable part 62 (back will be introduced).

Movable part 62 comprises: the first receiver side operating portion (projection) 62b3,62b1, and when receiver side gate 65 is arranged in the developer replenishing disabled position, this first receiver side operation part is arranged in operating position; And second receiver side operating portion (projection) 62b2,62b4, when receiver side gate 65 is arranged in developer replenishing and allows position, this second receiver side operation part is arranged in operating position.Movable part 62 makes gate 65 move in linkage.In the situation that the first operating portion 62b3,62b1 are placed in the first operating position, the limiting part 68 that moves through of movable part 62 limits.In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, movable part 62 moves downward by the limiting part 68 contacted with the first meshing part 31b.Like this, movable part 62 discharges from limiting part 68, becomes removable (rotatable).Then, movable part 62 makes in linkage receiver side gate 65 move to developer replenishing by the first operation part 62b3 by contacting with the first meshing part 31b, motion that 62b1 causes and allows position.In the situation that the second operation part 62b2,62b4 are placed in operating position, the motion of movable part 62 is limited or is limited by limiting part 68.The motion (rotation) that movable part 62 makes receiver side gate 65 and supply side movable part 32 cause by the second operation part 62b2,62b4 and 32 engagements of supply side movable part moves to developer replenishing with linking and allows position.

When handle box 7 is arranged under the state in device body 100a while being mounted on device body 100a at feed cassette 9, the first meshing part 31b of feed cassette 9 and the operation of movable part 32 are as follows.

At first, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68 under the state in the developer replenishing disabled position at gate 65, the motion of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62.Also have, limiting part 68 moves downward.Like this, movable part 62 discharges the restriction of limiting part 68.Therefore, movable part 62 becomes removable (rotation).Subsequently, the first meshing part 31b makes receiver side gate 65 move in linkage this permission position with movable part 62 by with the first meshing part 31b, contacting the motion rotating photo caused.

Movable part 32 meshes with operating portion 62b2, the 62b4 of the movable part 62 that limits or be limited to operating position.When handle box 7 advances in device body 100a, movable part 32 makes gate 35 move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.

When handle box 7, when feed cassette 9 is arranged under the state in device body 100a in access to plant body 100a, the operation of receiver side movable part 62 and limiting part 68 is as follows.

At first, movable part 62 comprises: the first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or 62b3, and this first receiver side operating portion is arranged in operating position in the situation that gate 65 is placed in developer reception disabled position; And second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4, this second receiver side operation part is in the situation that gate 65 is placed in developer receives and allow position to be arranged in operating position.

When the first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 are placed in operating position, or when the second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 are placed in operating position, limiting part 68 restrictions or prevent that movable part 62 from moving (rotation).

In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant bodies, limiting part 68 contacts with meshing part (the first meshing part) 31b, so that from limiting part 68 releasing activity parts 62, thereby makes movable part 62 become removable (rotation).Gate 65 moves to developer reception permission position with the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3 by contact the movement (rotation) caused with meshing part 31b with linking.Subsequently, when the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 are placed in operating position, the movement of movable part 62 limits by limiting part 68 again.Also have, the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 and movable part 32 engagements, in order to make it move (rotation), and supply side gate 35 moves to developer replenishing permission position with the movement (rotation) of movable part 32 with linking.Namely, supplying with opening 34 opens.

When handle box 7, when feed cassette 9 is arranged under the state in device body 100a in access to plant body 100a, the operation of meshing part (the first meshing part) 31b, supply side movable part 32 and supply side gate 35 is as follows.

In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, meshing part (the first meshing part) 31b is in the situation that the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3 are placed in operating position contacts with limiting part 68, the movement (rotation) of these limiting part 68 restraint parts 62.Like this, movable part 62 discharges from limiting part 68.Therefore, movable part 62 can move (rotation).Meshing part 31b contacts with the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3, in order to movable part 32 is moved, gate 65 moves and moves to developer reception permission position with linking with this.Like this, receiving opening 16a opens.

In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, at meshing part 31b, make gate 65 move to after developer receive to allow position, supply side movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the second receiver side operating portion 62b2 with movable part 62 or 62b4 engagement, and this movable part 62 is limited or limited by the limiting part 68 that is arranged in operating position.Movable part 32 makes in linkage gate 35 move (rotation) to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.Therefore, supplying with opening 34 opens.

Like this, in embodiments of the present invention, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, the first operating portion 62b1,62b3 contact with meshing part 31b in order to move (rotation), and gate 65 moves and moves to developer reception permission position with linking with this.

Subsequently, the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 and movable part 32 engagements.According to advancing of handle box 7, movable part 32 moves (rotation), and gate 35 moves to developer replenishing with this motion with linking and allows position.Namely, supplying with opening 34 opens.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, supply with 34 of openings and just open after reception opening 16a opens.Therefore, under the state that supply opening 34 can not closed at reception opening 16a, open.Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, can avoid developer to leak by supplying with opening 34.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, receive opening 16a and do not open, unless feed cassette 9 is arranged on device body 100a.Like this, receiving opening 16a will can not be arranged under the state on device body 100a and open at feed cassette 9.

When handle box takes out from device body

While under the state in handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 are arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, operation will be contrary.Namely, with reference to Figure 12, sequence of operation is (a)-(b)-(c)-(d)-(e)-(f)-(g)-(h)-(i)-(j)-(k).Movable part 32, supply side gate 35, limiting part 68, movable part 62 and receiver side gate 65 are with this sequential operation.

As previously mentioned, the handle box 7 be removably mounted on device body 100a comprises receiver side gate 65.Gate 65 can receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer, this developer receives and allows position to receive opening 16a for opening, so that receive will be by developer roll 17 developer for developing, and this developer receives disabled position and receives opening 16a for closing developer.

And gate 65 provides receiver side movable part 62, this receiver side movable part 62 can rotate with gate 65 with linking, thereby makes gate 65 receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer.Movable part 62 comprises receiver side operation part 62b2 or 62b4, and when gate 65 is placed in developer reception permission position, this receiver side operating portion is arranged in operating position.Movable part 62 also comprises limiting part 68, for limit the motion of this movable part 62 when movable part 62 is placed in operating position.

Be removably mounted on device body so that developer supply cartridge 9 from developer to handle box 7 that supply with comprises the developer containing part 16 for receiving photographic developer.Developer supply cartridge 9 also comprises supply side gate 35.Gate 35 can allow to move between position and developer replenishing disabled position at developer replenishing, this developer replenishing allows position to supply with opening 34 for opening, in order to developer is supplied to handle box from developer containing part 16 by receiving opening 16a, this developer replenishing disabled position is supplied with opening 34 for closing.And it comprises meshing part (the first meshing part) 31b.In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant bodies, in the situation that gate 65 is placed in developer, receive disabled position, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68, the movement (rotation) of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62.By movable part 62 is discharged from limiting part 68, movable part 62 can move.Subsequently, the first meshing part 31b contacts with movable part 62, in order to make movable part 62 motions, gate 65 moves to developer with this motion with linking and receives the permission position.And developer supply cartridge comprises supply side movable part 32.When handle box 7 access to plant 100 body, movable part 32 moves (rotation) by the operating portion 62b2 with movable part 62 or 62b4 engagement, has the operation part 62b4 that is arranged in operating position or this movable part 62 of 62b2 and is limited or limited by limiting part 68.Movable part 32 makes in linkage supply side gate 35 move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.

The structure of receiver side movable part 62 is as follows.

Movable part 62 comprises operating portion (projection) 62b2,62b4, and when gate 65 is placed in developer reception permission position, this operating portion is arranged in operating position.Movable part 62 makes gate 65 move in linkage.Movable part 62 limits by the limiting part 68 that is arranged in operating position or prevents from moving, at this operating position place, and operating portion 62b2 and protruding 32b engagement.Like this, when handle box from device body 100a 7 takes out, movable part 62 moves, in order to make gate 35 move to the developer replenishing disabled position.Subsequently, movable part 62 contacts to become with the first meshing part 31b by limiting part 68 and can move (rotation).Movable part 62 moves with the first contacting of meshing part 31b by operation part (projection) 62b2,62b4, and gate 65 moves to developer reception disabled position with this movable part 62 with linking.

Therefore, after handle box 7 takes out from device body 100a, the supply side gate 35 that is retained in the feed cassette 9 in device body 100a is closed from the operation of device body 100a dismounting automatically by handle box 7.

When being arranged at feed cassette 9 under the state in device body 100a while from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, the operation of receiver side movable part 62, receiver side gate 65 and limiting part 68 is as follows.

At first, receiver side movable part 62 comprises receiver side operating portion 62b2,62b4, and this receiver side operating portion allows position to be arranged in operating position in the situation that gate 65 is placed in the developer reception.Movable part 62 is for making in linkage gate 65 receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer.When handle box 7 is dismantled from device body 100a, receiver side operation part 62b2, the 62b4 of the movable part 62 that limits or limit by the limiting part 68 that is arranged in operating position and 32 engagements of supply side movable part, thus make movable part 32 motions (rotation).Movable part 32 makes supply side gate 35 move to the developer replenishing disabled position interrelatedly.Namely, supplying with opening 34 closes.Subsequently, movable part 62 discharges from this limiting part 68 by the limiting part 68 contacted with meshing part (the first meshing part) 35b.Therefore, movable part 62 becomes movable.Then, movable part 62 moves with contacting of 31b of meshing part (the first meshing part) by receiver side operation part 62b2,62b4, and gate 65 moves and moves in linkage developer reception disabled position with this.That is to say, receive opening 16a and close.While under the state in feed cassette 9 is arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, the operation of supply side movable part 32 and supply side gate 35 is as follows.

At first, when from device body 100a taking-up handle box 7, in the situation that being placed in developer, gate 65 receives the permission position, movable part 32 can move (rotation) by the operation part 62b2 with movable part 62,62b4 engagement, and this movable part 62 is limited or limited by limiting part 68.Movable part 32 makes gate 35 allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position from developer replenishing in linkage.Namely, supplying with opening 34 closes.

Here, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, receiver side operation part 62b2,62b4 and movable part 32 engagements, thus make this movable part 32 move (rotation).Movable part 32 makes gate 35 move to the developer replenishing disabled position in linkage.Subsequently, movable part 62 contacts and moves (rotation) with meshing part (the first meshing part) 31b by operation part 62b2,62b4, and gate 65 moves and moves to developer reception disabled position with linking with this.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, receive opening 16a and only just close after supply opening 34 is closed.Therefore, by this embodiment of the present invention, under the state that reception opening 16a opens at supply opening 34, can not close.

Like this, according to the present embodiment, when taking out from device body 100a, handle box 7 can prevent that developer from leaking.

Below introduce and feed cassette 9 is mounted on device body 100a when the state in handle box 7 is arranged at device body under or the situation while from this device body 100a, dismantling feed cassette 9, and handle box 7 is mounted on device body 100a under the state in feed cassette 9 is arranged at device body or situation during demounting process cartridge 7 from this device body 100a.

The operation of the receiver side movable part 62 of handle box 7, receiver side gate 65 and limiting part 68 with under the state when in handle box 7 is installed on device body, by feed cassette 9, be mounted on device body 100a or from this device body 100a the situation of dismounting during feed cassette 9 identical.

The first meshing part (meshing part) 31b, the second meshing part (meshing part) 32b and supply side movable part 32 are described at first, as follows.

At first the first meshing part (meshing part) 31b is described.

When handle box access to plant body, before gate 35 is opened supply opening 34, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68, the rotation of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62, and the first receiver side operation part 62b1 or the 62b3 of this movable part 62 are arranged in operating position.The first meshing part 31b makes the elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic springs 70 move downward.Like this, movable part 62 discharges from limiting part 68.Therefore, movable part 62 is movable.Subsequently, the first meshing part 31b and the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3 engagement, thus making movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 rotatablely moves with this, and receiving disabled position from developer moves to developer reception permission position with linking.Namely, receiving opening 16a opens.

When handle box 7 when device body 100a takes out, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68, the rotation of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62, the second receiver side operation part 62b2 or the 62b4 of this movable part 62 are arranged in operating position.The first meshing part 31b makes the elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic springs 70 move down, in order to movable part 62 is discharged from limiting part 68.Therefore, movable part 62 is removable.The first meshing part 31b and the second receiver side operation part 62b2 or 62b4 engagement, thus make movable part 62 rotations, and gate 65 allows position to move to developer with this rotating gang ground from the developer reception and receives disabled position.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

Here, the first meshing part 31b is fixed on the position of supplying with opening 16a (supply side movable part 32) upstream along the approach axis in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a.

The following describes the second meshing part 31a.

In the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, before gate 35 is opened supply opening 34, the second meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, the rotation of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62, the first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or the 62b3 of this movable part 62 are arranged in operating position.The second meshing part 31a makes limiting part 68 opposing elastic forces move downward, in order to movable part 62 is discharged from limiting part 68.Therefore, the second meshing part 31a makes receiver side movable part 62 removable.Then, the second meshing part 31a and the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 engagement, in order to make movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 moves to the developer reception from developer reception disabled position in linkage with this rotating photo and allows position.Namely, receiving opening 16a opens.

When from device body 100a taking-up feed cassette 9, after gate 35 is closed supply opening 34, the second meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, the rotation of these limiting part 68 restrictions or restriction movable part 62, the second operating portion 62b2 or the 62b4 of this movable part 62 are arranged in operating position.The second meshing part 31a makes the elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic springs 70 move downward.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Therefore, it is movable that it makes movable part 62.Subsequently, the second meshing part 31a and the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 engagement, thus making movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 allows position to move to developer with this rotating gang ground from the developer reception and receives disabled position.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

Here, the second meshing part 31a is fixed on the position of supplying with opening 34 (supply side movable part 32) downstream along the approach axis in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a.

The following describes supply side movable part 32.

At first, in the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, at the first meshing part 31b, make after gate 65 opens receiver side opening 16a, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, more particularly, prevent this movable part 62 rotations by the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 being limited to operating position.Movable part 32 makes in linkage gate 35 move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.Namely, supplying with opening 34 opens.

In addition, when from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, before the first meshing part 31b makes gate 65 close to receive opening 16a, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, more particularly, prevent movable part 62 rotations by the second operation part 62b2 or the 62b4 that is limited to operating position.Movable part 32 makes gate 35 allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position from developer replenishing rotatably.Namely, supplying with opening 34 closes.

In addition, in the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, at the second meshing part 31a, make after gate 65 opens receiver side opening 16a, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, more particularly, the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 are prevented to rotation by being limited to operating position.Movable part 32 makes in linkage gate 35 move to developer replenishing from the developer replenishing disabled position and allows position.Namely, supplying with opening 34 opens.

In addition, when from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, more particularly, the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 are prevented to this movable part 62 rotations by being limited to operating position.Movable part 32 makes gate 35 from developer replenishing, allow position to move to the developer replenishing disabled position interrelatedly.Namely, supplying with opening 34 closes.

Situation while the following describes under the state of feed cassette 9 in handle box 7 is arranged at device body in access to plant body 100a and under the state of handle box 7 in feed cassette 9 is arranged at device body the situation in access to plant body 100a the time.

The following describes structure and the operation of receiver side movable part 62 and the limiting part 68 of handle box 7.

Movable part 62 rotates in linkage with gate 65, and like this, gate 65 can receive and allow to move between position and developer reception disabled position at developer.Movable part 62 comprises: the first receiver side operation part 62b1 or 62b3, and when gate 65, when developer receives disabled position, this first receiver side operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 are arranged in operating position; And second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4, when gate 65 receives while allowing position in developer, this second receiver side operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 are arranged in operating position.

When the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 or the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 are arranged in operating position, the rotation of limiting part 68 restraint parts 62.

The following describes the first meshing part 31b, the second meshing part 31a of feed cassette 9 and structure and the operation of supply side movable part 32.

When handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, before gate 35 is opened supply opening 34, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68, these limiting part 68 restraint parts 62, more particularly, this limiting part 68 prevents movable part 62 rotations by the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 being limited to operating position.The first meshing part 31b makes the elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic springs 70 move downward.Like this, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Therefore, it is removable that it makes movable part 62.Subsequently, the first meshing part 31b and the first operation part 62b1 or 62b3 engagement, in order to make movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 moves to the developer reception from developer reception disabled position in linkage with this movable part 62 and allows position.Namely, receiving opening 16a opens.

In the time of in feed cassette 9 access to plant body 100a, before gate 35 is opened supply opening 34, the second meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, these limiting part 68 restraint parts 62, more particularly, this limiting part 68 prevents movable part 62 rotations by the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 being limited to operating position.The second meshing part 31a makes limiting part 68 opposing elastic forces move downward.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Therefore, it is removable that it makes movable part 62.The second meshing part 31a and the first operating portion 62b1 or 62b3 engagement, in order to make movable part 62 rotations, gate 65 moves to the developer reception from developer reception disabled position with this movable part 62 interrelatedly and allows position.Namely, receiving opening 16a opens.

In the time of in handle box 7 access to plant body 100a, at the first meshing part 31b, make after gate 65 opens receiver side opening 16a, supply side movable part 32 is by rotating with movable part 62 engagements, this movable part 62 is limited by limiting part 68, more particularly, prevent this movable part 62 rotations by the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 being limited to operating position.Supply side movable part 32 makes gate 35 rotate to developer replenishing permission position from the developer replenishing disabled position in linkage.Namely, supplying with opening 34 opens.

Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention will provide the beneficial effect identical with previous embodiment.

The following describes under the state in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are arranged at device body 100a structure and operation when taking out feed cassette 9 or taking out handle box 7 from device body 100a from device body 100a.

The receiver side movable part 62 of handle box 7 and the structure of limiting part 68 are with identical in previous embodiment.

When handle box 7 when device body 100a takes out, after gate 35 is closed supply opening 34, the first meshing part 31b contacts with limiting part 68, these limiting part 68 restraint parts 62, more particularly, this limiting part 68 is by being limited to by the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 the rotation that operating position prevents movable part 62.The first meshing part 31b makes the described elastic force of limiting part 68 opposing move downward.Like this, the first meshing part 31b makes movable part 62 discharge from limiting part 68.Therefore, it is movable that it makes movable part 62.Subsequently, the first meshing part 31b and the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 mesh, thereby make movable part 62 rotations, and gate 65 receives and allows position to rotate to developer reception disabled position from developer interrelatedly with this movable part 62.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

When from device body 100a taking-up feed cassette 9, after gate 35 is closed supply opening 34, the second meshing part 31a contacts with limiting part 68, these limiting part 68 restraint parts 62, more particularly, this limiting part 68 prevents movable part 62 rotations by the second operation part 62b2 or 62b4 being limited to operating position.The second meshing part 31a makes the described elastic force of limiting part 68 antagonistic spring 70 move down.Therefore, it discharges the restriction operation of limiting part 68.Therefore, it is removable that it makes movable part 62.Subsequently, the second meshing part 31a and the second operating portion 62b2 or 62b4 mesh, thereby make movable part 62 rotations, and gate 65 receives and allows position to rotate to developer reception disabled position from developer in linkage with this movable part 62.Namely, receiving opening 16a closes.

According to the present embodiment, the beneficial effect identical with previous embodiment will be provided.

Here, when handle box 7 is arranged on device body 100a, receiver side movable part 62 is arranged on the upper surface of handle box.Movable part 62 is rotatable, and like this, its peripheral moving direction is with respect to the installation and removal direction of device body 100a and along the length of handle box 7 along handle box 7.Namely, movable part 62 can rotate around horizontal axis, and the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with handle box 7 is extended.

When handle box 7 is arranged on device body 100a, gate 65 is arranged on the upper surface of handle box 7.Rotatable gate 65 is cylindrical shape.Gate 65 is rotatable, like this, its peripolesis direction along handle box 7 with respect to the installation and removal direction of device body 100a and along the length of handle box 7.In other words, 65 one-tenth cylinder body shapes that can rotate around horizontal axis of gate, the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with handle box 7 is extended.Gate 65 provides the opening in its periphery surface (open communication 65b), in order to allow developer to flow along the radial direction of cylindrical shape.When opening faces toward or align reception opening 16a, it is opened and receives opening 16a.Gate 65 receives opening by the part that makes it, be different from opening facing to developer and closes reception opening 16a.

Here, upper surface is to be mounted to device body 100a surface upward when upper when handle box 7.It must not be the top of box.

In the present embodiment, receiver side gate 65 is cylindricality, but is not limited to this.For example, gate 65 can be any rotatable part, and more particularly, it can be the shape of for example circular columns.But, from the viewpoint of easy manufacture, cylindrical shape is preferred.Gate is not limited to rotary structure, but can be slide construction, as hereinafter described.

The first receiver side operation part 62b1 or 62b3 are provided with the projection on the periphery surface that is arranged in receiver side movable part 62.This projection and meshing part (the first meshing part 31b, the second meshing part 31a) engagement, in order to receive revolving force.Like this, receiver side gate 65 rotations.The second receiver side operation part 62b2 or 62b4 are provided with the projection on the periphery surface that is arranged in movable part 62.The supply side operation part 32b1 of this projection and movable part 32,32b2,32b3,32b4 engagement.Like this, supply side gate 35 rotations.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by the transmission of the power of assurance, because it is realized by the butt between projection.

When feed cassette 9 is mounted on device body 100a, movable part 32 is arranged on the basal surface of feed cassette 9.Movable part is rotatable, and like this, its peripolesis direction is with respect to the installation and removal direction of device body 100a and along the length of feed cassette 9 along feed cassette 9.Namely, movable part 32 can rotate around horizontal axis, and the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with feed cassette 9 is extended.

When feed cassette 9 is arranged on device body 100a, gate 35 is arranged on the basal surface of feed cassette 9.Rotatable gate 35 is cylindrical shape.Gate 35 is rotatable, and like this, its peripolesis direction is with respect to the installation and removal direction of device body 100a and along the length of feed cassette 9 along feed cassette 9.In other words, 35 one-tenth cylinder body shapes that can rotate around horizontal axis of gate, the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with feed cassette 9 is extended.Gate 35 provides the opening in its periphery surface (open communication 35b), in order to allow developer to flow along the radial direction of cylindrical shape, this opening faces toward or alignment receives opening 16a, in order to open, receives opening 16a.When opening (open communication 35a) faces toward supply opening 34, supply with opening 34 and open, and, when the part that is different from opening (open communication 35b) faces toward supply opening 34, this supply opening 34 is closed.

Here, basal surface is to be mounted to device body 100a surface or side down when upper when feed cassette 9.It must not be the surface of bottommost.

In the present embodiment, receiver side gate 35 is cylindricality, but is not limited to this.It can be any rotatable part, for example rotatable circular post.But, from the viewpoint of easy manufacture, cylindrical shape is preferred.Gate 35 is not limited to rotatable gate, but can be sliding gate, as hereinafter described.

And movable part 32 is provided with supply side operation part 32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4.The projection engagement of the projection of supply side operation part 32b1,32b2,32b3,32b4 and receiver side operating portion 62b2,62b4, in order to receive revolving force.Like this, gate 35 is rotated.

As previously mentioned, in the present embodiment,

gate

35 and 65 is rotatable cylindrical part (rotatable parts).This advantage that is better than the translation motion gate is that the zone of developer deposition is less.

Below will describe the aforesaid operations position in detail.

Operating position is that receiver side operation part (the second receiver side operation part) 62b2, the 62b4 of receiver side movable part 62 when handle box 7 is mounted on device body 100a faces toward the supply side movable part 32 that is arranged on the feed cassette 9 on device body 100a, or meshes with this supply side movable part 32.In the present embodiment, operating position is the position, top side of the swing-around trajectory of receiver side movable part 62.At this operating position, receiver side operation part 62b2,62b4 are from meshing

part

31a or 31b reception, in order to make 62 rotations of receiver side movable part.Perhaps, at this operating position, receiver side operation part 62b2,62b4 apply power to supply side movable part 32, in order to make 32 rotations of supply side movable part.

Like this, even be not arranged under the state on device body 100a while being mounted on device body 100a at handle box 7 when developer supply cartridge 9, also keep the closed condition of developer replenishing opening 34.In addition, even when all being arranged at handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 under the state on device body 100a while from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7 too.

In the aforementioned embodiment, no matter the erection sequence of feed cassette 9 and handle box 7 how or the taking-up order of feed cassette 9 and handle box 7 how, these boxes can proper operation.Supply side movable part 32 and receiver side movable part 62 are rotatable, and like this, the peripolesis direction is along installation direction.In other words, at handle box 7, be installed under the state on device body 100a, movable part 62 can rotate around horizontal axis, and the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with handle box 7 is extended.Similarly, at feed cassette 9, be installed under the state on device body 100a, movable part 32 can rotate around horizontal axis, and the direction that this horizontal axis intersects along the longitudinal direction with feed cassette 9 is extended.

Here, " level " must not be " vertical with vertical direction/vertical (gravity direction) ".Particularly, in this example, " level " covered and ± 15 ° of scopes of lucky horizontal direction inclination.As long as movable part 32 becomes can transmit power with movable part 62 is intermeshing, this scope is just satisfactory.In other words, when

gate

35 and 65 can rotate, this scope is satisfactory.

Like this, in ordinary construction, supply with opening and sealing and be arranged on the flat part that can rotate around vertical axis, compare with this ordinary construction, the area of developer replenishing opening and the area of gate are all less with respect to cross-sectional direction.Therefore, handle box 7 and developer supply cartridge 9 can reduce size, and can reduce the floor area of imaging device 100 when arranging four handle boxes 7 and four developer supply cartridges 9.

In addition, no matter handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 how be mounted to sequence of operation in device body 100a, the supply opening 34 of feed cassette 9 only just can be opened after the reception opening 16a of handle box 7 opens.Therefore, the overhead height that is contained in the developer in handle box 7 (developer-accommodating part 16) can be increased to the contiguous opening that receives.This can reduce the size of handle box 7 along short transverse.Even, in the time of be mounted to device body 100a under the state of handle box 7 in feed cassette 9 does not have charging apparatus body 100a in, receive opening 16a and also can not open.Therefore, even produce collision when handle box 7 charging apparatus body 100a, also prevent that developer from blowing out by opening 16a.Therefore, developer can be packed into until adjacent top height 7e.

In addition, no matter how handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are mounted to order in device body 100a, supply with 34 of openings and just open after opening receiving opening 16a.Therefore, when being mounted to device body 100a, handle box 7 or developer supply cartridge 9 prevented that developer from spreading out when upper.

No matter the order that handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 take out operation from device body 100a how, developer receives opening 16a and only just closes after supply opening 34 is closed.Therefore, when taking out from device body 100a, handle box 7 and/or feed cassette 9 also prevent that developer from spreading out.

As previously mentioned, when feed cassette 9 is not arranged in device body 100a, the reception opening 16a of handle box 7 does not open.Therefore, even when handle box 7 is not in feed cassette 9 is stayed device body 100a under the state in charging apparatus body 100a, foreign matter also can not enter handle box 7.

No matter the sequence of operation in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 charging apparatus body 100a how, supply side gate 35 and receiver side gate 65 can both respond the fitting operation of handle box 7 or feed cassette 9 and open.

And, no matter the sequence of operation that handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 take out from device body 100a how, supply side gate 35 and receiver side gate 65 can both respond the disassembling section of handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 and close.

Therefore, no matter how handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are mounted to order in device body 100a, the opening and closing state of supply side gate 35 and receiver side gate 65 can respond the fitting operation of handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 and change.

Therefore, no matter the installation of handle box and feed cassette and the order of taking out operation are how, operating personnel can correctly install or take out handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 with respect to device body 100a.The operability of therefore, installing and taking out improves.

In addition, only have when receiver side gate 65 is opened reception opening 16a, the protruding 62b of receiver side movable part 62 and the protruding 32b of supply side movable part 32 and recess 32c could be intermeshing.

Therefore,

movable part

32 and 62 is as test section, for detection of the open mode of the gate of handle box 7.This does not need to be provided for the testing agency of this purpose.And, even mistakenly handle box 7 is mounted in device 100 bodies under the state of opening at the gate 65 of handle box 7 as operating personnel, then operating personnel are by feed cassette 9 charging apparatus 100 bodies the time,

movable part

32 and 62 is not intermeshing.

At this moment, the installation of feed cassette 9 causes incomplete installation.This imperfection can remind the mistake of operating personnel's handle box 7 to install.

The second embodiment

Introduce the gate mechanism of second embodiment of the invention below with reference to Figure 14-Figure 16.In a second embodiment, but the slip of gate part along continuous straight runs, rather than rotate.The basic structure of developer supply cartridge and handle box etc. is with identical in the first embodiment.Therefore, omit for the sake of simplicity the detailed description to them.The gate mechanism of developer supply cartridge and handle box will describe.In the present embodiment, reference number in the same manner as in Example 1 means to have the element of corresponding function, and omits for the sake of simplicity the detailed description to them.

Figure 14 is the gate of feed cassette 9 and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.Figure 15 is the gate of handle box 7 and the decomposition diagram of element on every side.Figure 16 has meaned the operation of the gate of feed cassette 9, and element around having meaned.

The following describes the gate of the feed cassette 9 in the present embodiment.

As shown in Figure 14, when handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are arranged in device body 100a, T shape housing 46 is fixed on the basal surface of developer-accommodating part 33 of feed cassette 9.This T shape housing 46 is provided with the T shape shell nozzle 46a corresponding with the reception opening 16a of handle box 7.Provide

slot part

46b, 46c and retainer part 46d in the opposite end of T shape shell nozzle 46a.Supply side gate 82 is arranged in below T shape shell nozzle 46a.

Supply side gate 82 comprises for opening and closing gate part (supply side gate part) 82a of T shape shell nozzle 46a, and for by with handle box 7 engagements, providing the supply side movable part 82b of opening and closing force.The 82a of gate section is provided with supply side gate connected entrance 82c, the engaged 82d of section, 82e and claw 82f.On the other hand, supply side movable part 82b is provided with guiding groove 82b1, and this guiding groove 82b1 comprises inclined surface peace surface element.

Below will introduce the assembly method of the gate of feed cassette 9.

At first, slot part 46b, the 46c of the engaged 82d of section, the 82e of supply side gate 82 and T shape housing 46 engagement.They are meshed, and like this, the claw 82f of supply side gate 82 rides on retainer part 46d.Like this, but gate 82 is held in along continuous straight runs by the engaged 82d of section, 82e and slot

part

46b, 46c slides.Intermeshing claw 82f and the 46d of retainer section throw off for preventing gate 82 and feed cassette 9.By the slip of gate 82, supply side gate connected entrance 82c and T shape shell nozzle 46a toward each other or the alignment, at this moment, developer can be supplied with from feed cassette 9.

Below will introduce the structure of the gate of the handle box 7 in the present embodiment.

As shown in Figure 15, be provided with into operating portion 90a and the 90b of convex form for the receiver side movable part (receiver side movable part) 90 of the present embodiment.As shown in Figure 15, when receiver side gate (receiver side gate section) 65 in open mode so that while allowing the developer of developing apparatus housing 80 to receive opening 80a to receive developer, operating

portion

90a, 90b are arranged in the position facing to feed cassette 9 (developer replenishing permission position).Near other structure gate is identical with the first embodiment, therefore will omit their detailed description.

With reference to Figure 16, the following describes when handle box 7 feed cassette 9 be arranged under the state in device body 100a be mounted to device body 100a in the time situation.

In the installation process process of handle box 7, until the operation of moment is all identical with the first embodiment.More particularly, movable part 90 motion, receive opening 80a in order to open, and then, movable part 90 is limited by limiting part 68, in order to prevent movable part 90 rotations, and until this stage operate identical with the first embodiment.Therefore omit their description.As mentioned above, when receiving opening 80a in open mode in order to can receive developer, the operating portion 90a or the 90b that are arranged on movable part 90 are arranged to facing to feed cassette 9 (developer replenishing disabled position) (Figure 16).

At this moment, the T shape shell nozzle 46a of developer supply cartridge 9 is not arranged to facing to open communication 82c, namely, it in closed condition in order to prevent from supplying with developer.Handle box 7 is advanced further to device body 100a.Then, operating portion 90a or operating portion 90b are along arrow K direction move (Figure 16 (a)).Also have operating portion 90a or operating portion 90b and guiding groove 82b1 engagement.

When handle box 7 is advanced further in device body 100a the time, the sloped surface portion 82b3 peace surface portion 82b2 that operating portion 90a or operating portion 90b are arranged to by being arranged in guiding groove 82b1 guides.Therefore, supply side gate 82 is kept slidably by slot part 46b, and slot part 46c is along arrow L direction move (Figure 16 (b)).Namely, gate 82 tangential movements.

Handle box 7 arrives complete installation site (Figure 16 (b)).Then, operating portion 90a or operating portion 90b are kept by the 82b2 of plane surface section of guiding groove 82b1, and the open communication 82c of supply side gate 82 and T shape shell nozzle 46a are toward each other.

While under the state that handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 have been installed, from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7, supply side gate 82, limiting part 68, movable part 90 and receiver side gate 65 operate along reverse order.

Therefore, when handle box 7 is arranged in device body 100a, be arranged on the shell nozzle 46a of the feed cassette 9 in device body 100a and open communication 82c not toward each other, therefore, shell nozzle 46a closes, thereby can not make developer replenishing in handle box 7.

When the operation be arranged at handle box 7 under the state in device body 100a while being mounted on device body 100a by feed cassette 9 with when being arranged at feed cassette 9 and handle box 7 under the state in device 100 bodies while from install 100 bodies, taking out feed cassette 9 identical with aforesaid operations.

According to the present embodiment, similar with the first embodiment, can save space, prevent that toner from spreading out etc.

In the present embodiment, supply side gate 82 is the mutual all-in-one-piece gate 82a of section and movable part 82b.But in the present embodiment, supply side gate 82 can form by the supply side gate for opening and closing shell nozzle and for the supply side movable part of the operation part reception from handle box.

In the present embodiment, gate 82 along continuous straight runs slide.Like this, supplying with opening 34 can open and close.

The 3rd embodiment

With reference to figure 19-Figure 22, the following describes according to third embodiment of the invention, gate mechanism that can be used for feed cassette 9 of the present invention and handle box 7.Use enclosing cover in the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 19 is the skeleton view that can act on the retainer on the supply side movable part of feed cassette 9.Figure 20 has meaned the retainer of feed cassette 9 and the operation of element on every side.Figure 21 is the skeleton view of the enclosing cover of feed cassette 9.Figure 22 has meaned the enclosing cover of developer supply cartridge 9 and the operation of element on every side.

The structure of the gate of feed cassette 9 is identical with handle box 7, therefore will omit their description.

The structure of the retainer of the supply side movable part of feed cassette

The mobile restriction (retainer) of the movable part 32 of feed cassette 9 is described below with reference to Figure 19.

Developer containing part 33 is provided with T shape restriction releasing member 141 and the T shape limiting part 140 for the movement of restraint parts 32.

Limiting part 140 is held in vertically (direction of arrow M) slip by

claw portion

142a, 143a and the rail plate 142,143 be arranged on developer-accommodating part 33.

Releasing parts 141 rotatably is supported with being arranged in the anticreep parts 147 on developer-accommodating part 33 by the maintaining part 141a of the releasing parts 141 with axial region 144 engagements.Releasing parts 141 is provided with engaging hole 141b, the engagement shaft 140a engagement of this engaging hole 141b and limiting part 140.In the opposite side position that clips the 141a of hole section (rotation center of releasing parts 141) from engaging hole 141b, strong receiving axes part 141c is set, for from installing 100 bodies, receiving driving force.By this driving force, releasing parts 141 is rotated.

By being arranged in the elastic force of the coil spring 145 between developer-accommodating part 33 and releasing parts 141, releasing parts 141 is (the arrow N direction of Figure 19) pushing along clockwise direction.Pushing force promotes the limiting part 140 with releasing parts 141 engagements usually downwards.

At initial position state (restriction site), the protruding 32b (32b1,32b3) that is arranged in restriction recess 140b on limiting part 140 and movable part 32 is intermeshing.Like this, limit or prevent the motion of movable part 32.

The operation of the retainer of supply side movable part

Operation below with reference to Figure 20 explanation limiting part 140 when feed cassette 9 access to plant 100 body.

As previously mentioned, when feed cassette 9 does not have in charging apparatus 100 bodies, the protruding 32b of recess 140b and movable part 32 (32b1,32b3) engagement.Therefore, limit or prevent the motion of movable part 32.

Therefore, even when operating personnel unexpectedly contact movable part 32, or, when in the transportation delivery phase, making feed cassette 9 vibration, movable part 32 does not move.

It is upper that feed cassette 9 is carried on the body guide rail 101a that is arranged in device body 100a, and advance to (feed cassette 9 is along the arrow A direction motion of Figure 20 (a)) in device body 100a.

When the position shown in feed cassette 9 insertion Figure 20 (b), the power of releasing parts 141 receives axial region 141c and contacts with the sloped surface portion 146a of the guiding piece 146 of body guide rail 101a.

Also have, when feed cassette 9 advances, shaft portion 141c is guided by inclined surface part 146a.Like this, releasing parts 141 is resisted elastic forces (spring force) and motion (the arrow P direction in Figure 20 (b)) in the counterclockwise direction.Releasing parts 141 is pushing along clockwise direction by the elastic force of coil spring 145.Like this, be positioned at the bottom restriction site limiting part 140 move to the permission position, top (the arrow Q direction in Figure 20 (b)) in developer-accommodating part 33.

When feed cassette 9 is advanced further, thereby, while making shaft portion 141c arrive the plane surface part 146b of guiding surface 146, the engagement between recess 140b and protruding 32b (32b1 in Fig. 6 or 32b3) will discharge.Like this, movable part 32 rotatable (Figure 20 (c)).

By make movable part 32 motions under this state, open communication 44a opens.Therefore, developer can be supplied to handle box 7 from feed cassette 9.

Like this, guiding surface 146 (146a, 146b) suitably-arranged along the longitudinal direction by body guide rail 101, open the motion of open communication 44a at movable part 32 before, limiting part 140 is prevented to the release action that movable part 32 moves is controlled.Therefore, limiting part can limit or prevent that movable part 32 from moving, and can not stop the opening and closing operation of the 82a of gate section simultaneously in operating process.

The structure of the T shape enclosing cover of feed cassette

As shown in Figure 21, the basal surface of the housing 44 of feed cassette 9 is covered by T shape enclosing cover 148.Lid 148 comprises: cap 148a, the open communication 44a of this cap 148a covering shell 44; And axis hole 148b, axial region 149 engagements of this axis hole 148b and developer containing part 33.Lid 148 comprises surperficial 148c1, the 148c2 for pushing, in order to contact to make by the seal member 67 with handle box 7 or developing apparatus housing 45, covers 148 and returns from open communication 44a.When lid 148 is not subject to the power from coil spring 150 (this coil spring 150 be arranged to basic coaxial with axial region 149), this lid 148 is arranged in the position of covering open communication 44a.

Drives structure for T shape outer cover portion

With reference to Figure 22, the following describes and ought only have one in feed cassette 9 and handle box 7 to be arranged in device body 100a, and another box be mounted to when device body 100a goes up the retraction operation of covering 148.

At first explanation is arranged under the state in device body 100a the situation while being mounted on device body 100a at handle box 7 when feed cassette 9.

It is upper that feed cassette 9 is carried on the body guide rail 101a and the 101b that are arranged in device 100 bodies, and insert along direction shown in arrow A in Figure 22 a.

When feed cassette 9 inserts the position shown in Figure 22 b, cover 148 the surperficial 148c1 that is urged and contact with the seal member 67 of handle box 7, as shown in the dot-and-dash line in Figure 22 b.

By advancing of feed cassette 9, surperficial 148c1 is by seal member 67 pushings.Like this, be arranged in the lid 148 antagonistic spring power of the position that covers open communication 44a and (the R direction in figure) rotation along clockwise direction by coil spring 150.

And, before completing feed cassette 9 is mounted to the operation on device 100 bodies, cover 148 and return from open communication 44a.Therefore, developer can be supplied with from feed cassette 9 (Figure 22 c).

While under the state in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9, oppositely (Figure 22 c to Figure 22 a) to cover 148 sequence of operation.

When taking out feed cassette 9, cover 148 pushing forces by coil spring 150 and be back to the position that covers open communication 44a.

The following describes the situation while under the state in handle box 7 and feed cassette 9 are arranged at device body 100a, from device body 100a, taking out handle box 7.

Handle box 7 is along arrow S direction move (Figure 22 d).During being urged surperficial 148c1 to be subject to seal member 67 pushings (in the taking-up of handle box 7 is processed), covering 148 maintenances and return (Figure 22 d) from open communication 34a.

Then, when handle box 7 further is drawn out to, make seal member 67 not when being urged the position that surperficial 148c1 contacts, cover 148 and return to by the pushing force of coil spring 150 position that covers open communication 34a.

Therefore, when taking out feed cassette 9 fully, cover 148 and return to by the pushing force of coil spring 150 position that covers open communication 44a.

Like this, at first take out no matter which

box

7 or 9, T shape enclosing cover 148 all covers open communication 34a, 44a in the taking-up operational processes of box.

When handle box 7 is arranged under the state in device 100 bodies while being mounted on device 100 bodies at feed cassette 9, seal member 67 pushings are urged surperficial 148c2.Like this, similar with above-mentioned situation, be arranged in lid 148 this elastic force of opposing (spring force) motions of the position that covers open communication 44a by coil spring 150.Also have, cover 148 and return from open communication 44a.

By this structure, except duty, the section that supplies with developer is covered by lid 148 usually.Therefore, when feed cassette 9 is mounted to device body 100a above or take out feed cassette 9 from this device body 100a, will prevent that operating personnel from contacting with developer replenishing part (operating personnel are not easy to see this developer replenishing section) accident on the basal surface part that is arranged in feed cassette 9.

When feed cassette 9 is arranged under the state in device body 100a while being mounted on device body 100a or identical with aforesaid operations when the operation be arranged at box 9 and handle box 7 under the state in device body 100a while from device body 100a, taking out feed cassette 9 at handle box 7, so will omit the detailed description to them.

In the present embodiment, similar with the first embodiment, can save space, prevent that developer from spreading out etc.

In above stated specification, use the color electrophotographic image forming apparatus of four feed cassettes and four handle boxes as an example.But, the present invention is not limited to this example.For example, the present invention is used in developer supply cartridge and the handle box used in monochromatic electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus.The present invention also can be used for such electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus.

In addition, as mentioned above, in the present invention, receiver side gate and supply side movable part can be parts separately, and supply side gate and supply side movable part can be parts separately.

Like this, assembling is easy to.

On the contrary, when being one-piece construction, the number of parts can reduce.Those skilled in the art are suitable choice structure according to circumstances.

In above stated specification, operating portion has projection.But, the present invention is not limited to this structure.For example, operating portion can provide friction means, in order to specially improve sliding resistance.When operating portion has projection, can the reliable delivery driving force.

As previously mentioned, according to the present invention, when developer is from developer supply cartridge supply handle box, can effectively prevent that developer from leaking.

According to the present invention, receiver side movable part that can be mobile with receiver side gate linkage ground can be used in the supply side movable part is moved.

According to the present embodiment, when developer supply cartridge, when handle box is arranged under the state in device body the access to plant body, only have when receiving opening and can receive developer, developer can be supplied with by supplying with opening.

According to the present embodiment, when being arranged at handle box under the state in device body while from device body, taking out developer supply cartridge, receive opening and prevent from receiving developer, and supply with opening and prevent from supplying with developer.

According to the present embodiment, when handle box developer supply cartridge be arranged under the state in device body be mounted to device body in the time, only have when receiving opening and can receive developer, developer can be supplied with by supplying with opening.

According to the present embodiment, when being arranged at developer supply cartridge under the state in device body while from device body, taking out handle box, receive opening and can prevent from receiving developer, and supply with opening and prevent from supplying with developer.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, when developer supply cartridge, when handle box does not have under the state in the charging apparatus body in the access to plant body, will prevent that supplying with opening opens.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, when handle box, when developer supply cartridge does not have under the state in the charging apparatus body in the access to plant body, will prevent that receiving opening opens.

Industrial applicibility

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, a kind of developer supply cartridge, handle box and electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus can be provided, wherein, while under the state in handle box and developer supply cartridge all are arranged at the electrophotographic imaging forming apparatus body, from device body, taking out developer supply cartridge, can prevent that developer from passing through the developer replenishing opening or receiving opening by developer to leak.

Although with reference to introduction about the construction described here the present invention, it is not limited to described details, and the application will cover variation or change in the improvement of following claim or scope.

Claims

1. a handle box comprises:

The electronic photographic sensitive drum;

Developer roll, for making the latent electrostatic image developing be formed on described electronic photographic sensitive drum by developer;

The receiver side developer containing part, for receiving photographic developer;

Developer receives opening, for receiving developer, enters described receiver side developer containing part;

Receiver side gate section, this receiver side gate section can receive between the developer reception disabled position that allows position and receive opening for closing described developer and rotate at the developer that receives opening for opening described developer;

The rotatable section of receiver side, the rotatable section of this receiver side can rotate, in order to make in linkage described receiver side gate section receive and allow position and developer to receive between disabled position to rotate at developer, the rotatable section of described receiver side comprises the first receiver side operating portion and the second receiver side operating portion, when described receiver side gate section when developer receives disabled position, this the first receiver side operating portion is in operating position, when described receiver side gate section receives while allowing position in described developer, this the second receiver side operating portion is in operating position

Limiting part, this limiting part can and be return from described restriction site in order to allow and move between the retracted position of rotatable rotation of described receiver side at the restriction site of the rotation for limiting the rotatable section of described receiver side; And

Wherein, when described limiting part, in described restriction site and described the first receiver side operating portion during in described operating position, described limiting part engages with described the first receiver side operating portion,

Wherein, when described limiting part, in described restriction site and described the second receiver side operating portion during in described operating position, described limiting part engages with described the second receiver side operating portion.

2. handle box according to claim 1, wherein, described limiting part can move slidably.

3. handle box according to claim 2, wherein, described limiting part can move along the radial direction of the rotatable section of described receiver side.

4. according to the described handle box of any one claim in claims 1 to 3, also comprise spring, for push described limiting part towards described restriction site ground away from described retracted position.

5. handle box according to claim 1, wherein, the rotatable section of described receiver side is arranged on the upper surface of described handle box, and the horizontal axis that can intersect around the longitudinal direction with described handle box rotation.

6. handle box according to claim 1, wherein, described receiver side gate section is arranged on the upper surface of described handle box, and comprise rotatable part, the horizontal axis rotation that described rotatable part can intersect around the longitudinal direction with described handle box, described rotatable part is provided with opening, and this opening is opened along the radial direction of the rotation of described rotatable part, and

Wherein, described developer receives the described harness motion of opening by making described rotatable part, and to receiving with described developer, opening is relative to be opened, and described developer receives opening, and by making componental movement described rotatable part, except the opening of described rotatable part, extremely with described developer reception, opening is relative closes.

7. handle box according to claim 1, wherein, described the first receiver side operating portion comprises projection, the projection of this first receiver side operating portion has the part of extending along the direction that rotatablely moves of the rotatable section of described receiver side, and

Wherein, described the second receiver side operating portion comprises projection, and the projection of this second receiver side operating portion has the part of extending along the direction that rotatablely moves of the rotatable section of described receiver side.

8. handle box according to claim 1, wherein said receiver side gate section comprises gate part, link and the recess in described link with opening, wherein, the rotatable section of described receiver side comprises rotatable part and the projection of extending from described rotatable part, and wherein, described protruding press fit is packed in described recess so that the motion of the rotatable section of described receiver side makes described receiver side gate section receive and allow position and developer to receive between disabled position to move at described developer.